HOUSE OF COMMONS

Recycling (Norman Shaw North)

Mark Oaten: To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what steps are taken to ensure that the contents of the recycling bags in Norman Shaw North are recycled.

Marion Roe: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The authorised contractor is obligated to separate and remove wastepaper for recycling. From 12 March, the contract specification will be strengthened to ensure that these procedures are monitored and reported regularly to the House authorities. If the hon. Member has any specific concerns about paper recycling, I hope he will raise them with the Serjeant at Arms.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Saville Inquiry

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the amounts paid to (a) senior counsel, (b) junior counsel, (c) judges and (d) secretarial and administrative support in respect of the Bloody Sunday inquiry in Londonderry.

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide details of the cost of the Saville inquiry in respect of (a) fees paid to junior and senior counsel, (b) fees paid to solicitors and (c) fees, expenses and other payments made to the chairman; and what is the total cost of the inquiry to date.

Des Browne: The cost of the Bloody Sunday inquiry to the Northern Ireland Office, as at 4 December 2001, is £52 million. This figure does not include costs to other Departments such as the Ministry of Defence.
	The costs to the Northern Ireland Office can be broken down as follows:
	
		NIO expenditure on Bloody Sunday inquiry from 1997–98 to December 2001
		
			  £000 
		
		
			 1. Tribunal members  
			 Salaries(1); allowances(2); rental of London accommodation for non-UK members 907 
			   
			 2. Inquiry Secretariat  
			 Salary costs 3,206 
			 of which:  
			 solicitors and paralegals: 1,400 
			 administrative staff (including witness liaison and press office): 1,806 
			   
			 3. Inquiry Counsel  
			 Fees and minor expenses 3,970 
			 4. Counsel for the families  
			 Fees and expenses 3,743 
			 of the payments at items three and four:  
			 to senior counsel: 4,093 
			 to junior counsel: 3,620 
			   
			 5. Eversheds, solicitors(3)  
			 Fees and expenses 10,814 
			   
			 6. Solicitors for the families  
			 Fees and expenses 6,294 
			   
			 7. Other lawyers  
			 (Between them acting for a range of other clients, including soldiers not represented by one of the MOD-funded legal teams) 522 
			   
			 8. Inquiry experts(4)  
			 Fees and expenses 359 
			   
			 9. Information technology(5) 13,313 
			   
			 10. Accommodation  
			 (Rental of office accommodation in London and office and hearings accommodation in Londonderry) 3,690 
			   
			 11. Travel and Subsistence  
			 (For tribunal, and inquiry counsel and staff members) 1,344 
			   
			 12. Other  
			 (Including office services; security; construction work; tracing of witnesses; costs assessment of lawyers' bills) 3,838 
			  
			 Total 52,000 
		
	
	(1) Lord Saville continues to receive his salary as a Law Lord, currently £157,699 a year. He receives no salary from the NIO and so it is not included in the figure quoted at item one.
	(2) The non-UK members of the tribunal are paid daily allowances of £50 (net) while in Londonderry and £75 (net) while in London. In addition these members are paid an allowance of £500 (net) for every month in which they spend at least a fortnight in the UK. Lord Saville is paid the daily Londonderry allowance, but neither of the other allowances. As at 4 December 2001 he had been paid a total of £7,400 in respect of this allowance. In addition the reasonable expenses incurred by members on tribunal business, and for travel to and from their home countries for the non-UK members, are met by the inquiry: the sums are included at item 11 in the table.
	(3) Eversheds are the solicitors contracted by the inquiry to take witness statements. They have also provided professional support to inquiry counsel and solicitors.
	(4) The experts concerned are in the fields of pathology, ballistics and explosives, sound, and history. The expenditure shown also includes that on the Peer Review Panel which has overseen the work of the pathology, ballistics, and sound experts.
	(5) Expenditure includes that on real-time transcription of the hearings, and on the evidence display system.
	Notes:
	1. The table displays the expenditure position as at 4 December 2001. The late submission of some bills means that the figures shown for certain expenditure components, notably four, do not fully reflect the scale on which expenditure had been incurred by December 2001. In addition, a prospective Judicial Review could affect the position at four, and a prospective judgment of the Senior Costs Judge the position at six.
	2. The expenditure figures include VAT where that is paid.
	3. The Ministry of Defence meets nearly all the costs of the four legal teams which between them represent most of the soldiers.

Saville Inquiry

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the cost to date of the Saville inquiry; and what he expects the final cost to be.

Adam Ingram: I have been asked to reply.
	The cost to date to the Ministry of Defence of the Saville inquiry is £14,454,453. This figure does not include costs to other Government Departments. It is not possible to provide an estimate of final cost, which is dependent on a number of factors beyond our control such as number of days in court and the number of witnesses called.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Temporary Contracts

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people he expects to employ in (a) his Department and (b) executive agencies for which he is responsible on temporary contracts of (i) 51 weeks and (ii) less than 51 weeks duration in the next four years in each case specifying the number of employees who had previously been employed in a similar position on the same contract.

Ben Bradshaw: None.

Temporary Contracts

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees in (a) his Department and (b) executive agencies for which his Department is responsible who have been employed on temporary contracts of (i) 51 weeks and (ii) less than 51 weeks duration have been reemployed in the same or similar positions at a later date in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: None.

EU Military Staff

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) military and (b) civilian staff will be (i) employed by and (ii) seconded by member states to the EU military staff in Brussels; and how much this will cost per annum.

Ben Bradshaw: The EU military staff has 135 permanent members. Within the EU military staff, there are 121 military personnel and 14 civilian personnel. All personnel are seconded and their salaries are paid by national Governments. Their operational expenses and allowances are met by the Council Secretariat and are included in the estimate of ESDP costs in the current financial year provided in answer to the hon. Member's previous question on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 913W.

Kosovo

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Parliamentary Secretary's letter of 8 July, what continuing action has been taken to protect Serbian churches in Kosovo.

Denis MacShane: As part of their mandate to provide a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops continue to guard Serbian churches in Kosovo. The protection of the remaining religious buildings and patrimonial sites is an important part of the international community's strategy of maintaining Kosovo as a multi-ethnic society. UK troops take an active part in this process.

Iran

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom he has named as the new UK ambassador to Iran; when this matter was last discussed with Iran; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: It is not normal practice to comment on discussions about ambassadorial appointments before they have been agreed with the host Government. I can however confirm that we have nominated a new ambassador to Tehran and are awaiting agreement from the Iranian authorities.

Indo-Pakistani Relations

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the crisis in Indo-Pakistani relations.

Ben Bradshaw: We are concerned about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has spoken on several occasions to his Indian, Pakistani and US counterparts in recent weeks. The UK continues to call for an end to external support for terrorism in Kashmir and urges both countries to exercise restraint and find a solution through meaningful dialogue. The Prime Minister reiterated this during this recent meetings with the Indian and Pakistani leaders on 6 and 7 January.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Pesticides

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will promote international measures to reduce the risk to rural workers in developing countries caused by the hazardous use of pesticides.

Clare Short: We fully support the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which create a framework and promote political will to tackle the problems that poor management and hazardous use of pesticides pose to health, the environment and livelihoods in developing countries.
	DFID also supports the revised Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)'s International Code of Conduct on the Distribution of Use of Pesticides, which provides a widely accepted framework of good practice relating to pesticide management. DFID complies with the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD DAC)'s Guidelines for Aid Agencies on Pest and Pesticide Management.
	DFID does not supply pesticides to developing countries through its programmes (except in emergency conditions such as locust plagues) or support pesticide subsidies. DFID promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which was recognised in UNCED Agenda 21 as the preferred approach to crop protection for development programmes. IPM provides a means to promote crop protection strategies with minimal external inputs, and maximum consideration for the sustainability and better understanding of production systems, integrity of the environment, and safety of the producer and consumer. By reducing the need for pesticide applications through the use of pest-resistant crop varieties, natural enemies and cultivation techniques, IPM has increased the sustainability of farming and ecological systems at minimal cost and reduced health risks to farmers.
	More information is available in a key-sheet for sustainable livelihoods on IPM (co-funded by DFID) from DFID or at the website address: http://www.odi.org.uk/ keysheets/ipm/pdf.

UN Poverty Development Programme

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the United Kingdom's financial assistance to the United Nations Poverty Development Programme was in each of the last three years.

Clare Short: There is no UN Poverty Development Programme. Our core voluntary contribution to the United Nations Development Programme was £35 million in 1999; £35 million in 2000; and £37 million in 2001. We also provided additional non-core funding for a number of specific UNDP projects in a number of countries.

Afghanistan

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to provide assistance (a) directly and (b) through other agencies, to assist orphans in Afghanistan.

Clare Short: Every effort is being made to minimise the suffering of all vulnerable Afghans, including children and orphans. Our aim is to support the UN-led international humanitarian and recovery effort, for which we have provided assistance of £60 million through UN agencies, the Red Cross and NGOs since last September.
	My Department has so far allocated around £10 million from these funds to UNICEF and other aid agencies to support activities focused on children, including orphans. We have also allocated over £2 million to the UN Trust Fund to support the Afghan Interim Administration, which includes a Department concerned with orphan affairs.

Humanitarian Service (Civilian Roster)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will introduce proposals to develop a national civilian roster for humanitarian assistance along the lines of the Danish International Humanitarian Service or the Norwegian NORDEM.

Clare Short: holding answer 11 January 2002
	A mechanism for international disaster response exists under the coordination of the United Nations. My Department's priority is to improve and strengthen this mechanism, which involves the affected nations, the United Nations and Red Cross systems, non-governmental organisations and donor Governments.
	While our ultimate aim is to build a better international humanitarian system, there is a role for donor Governments such as the UK to fill gaps in rapid direct response. The UK already has a capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies around the clock which is as respected as the Danish and Norwegian services mentioned, under arrangements existing within my Department.
	We are able to field well-equipped teams of experts with a broad range of skills and also maintain stockpiles of relief items. As and when we need to complement our own existing specialist staff for emergencies we can call upon other organisations under existing arrangements, such as RedR (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief) and International Health Exchange. With DFID support, these agencies maintain databases of suitably qualified disaster specialists including engineers, logisticians, and qualified medical staff who have been selected and trained beforehand for work in this area. My Department also manages the UK contribution to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC) system under which qualified British experts are made available for overseas service.
	In addition, DFID has established arrangements with other Government Departments to facilitate rapid disaster response. This includes the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who assist in global surveillance of disasters; the Home Office, with whom we have an arrangement for the deployment of UK Fire Service Search and Rescue personnel; and the Ministry of Defence from whom we can request the deployment of military assets, in support of emergency humanitarian operations.

Tanzania

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the World bank in respect of the UK air traffic control system to be sold to Tanzania.

Clare Short: There has been considerable discussion between DFID and the World bank about the proposed export of a BAE air traffic control system to Tanzania.
	The World bank is concerned about the system's technical applicability and its value for money. These concerns were discussed with donors and undertakings given by the Government of Tanzania prior to the International Monetary Fund and World bank board meetings in November 2001. The Government of Tanzania undertook to work with the International Civil Aviation Organisation in identifying Tanzania's civil aviation requirements and to explore the modification of the contract with BAE to meet these requirements. On this base the bank and fund boards agreed that Tanzania would reach Completion Point under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries initiative at their November meetings.

Tanzania

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid has been given to Tanzania since 1997; and what forms it has taken.

Clare Short: In the financial years 1996–97 to 2000–01 DFID provided a total of £273.5 million in development assistance to Tanzania. This includes Project Aid, Programme Aid, Technical Co-operation and Humanitarian Assistance, as set out in the table.
	DFID's Development Goal is to support Tanzania in institutionalising and implementing its Poverty Reduction Strategy (launched in 2000) to achieve its key targets for reducing income poverty, improving health and education outcomes and reducing vulnerability.
	
		Bilateral aid to Tanzania 1996–97 to 2000–01
		
			  £000 
		
		
			 Project Aid 25,650 
			 Programme Aid 159,217 
			 Technical Co-operation 59,774 
			 Grants/Other Aid in Kind 20,408 
			 Humanitarian Assistance 8,454 
			  
			 Total 273,503

WALES

Job Losses (Nantgarw)

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Assembly Education Secretary on the measures which have been put in place by ELWa in response to the job losses at Nantgarw in South Wales.

Paul Murphy: I have regular discussions with the First Minister and meetings with other Assembly Ministers when we discuss a variety of issues.
	I regret the decision taken by General Electric to shed around 350 jobs at its plant in Nantgarw and the effect this has had on those who have lost their jobs, on their families and on the community.
	I understand that 310 workers at the GE plant took voluntary redundancy terms at the end of the 90 day consultation period, which ended on 3 January 2002. A further 10 took redundancy on compulsory terms and the remainder are still in negotiations with GE and the trade unions.
	GE has set up a task force that comprised representatives from ELWa, the Employment Service, the Welsh Development Agency and the trade unions to help find retraining opportunities for those who have lost their jobs.

Concordats

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the concordats which have been agreed between UK Government Departments and the National Assembly for Wales.

Paul Murphy: In addition to the multilateral, "overarching" concordats (European policy issues; international affairs; assistance to industry; statistics) the Assembly has concordats with: Cabinet Office; Her Majesty's Treasury; Department of Health; Department for Work and Pensions; Lord Chancellor's Department; Ministry of Defence; Department of Trade and Industry; Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; Department for Culture, Media and Sport; Health and Safety Executive; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Home Office; and also with the Wales Office.

Children's Commissioner for Wales

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the criteria the Government use to evaluate the performance of the Children's Commissioner for Wales in carrying out his prescribed tasks and functions.

Paul Murphy: That is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

New Opportunities Fund

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish the criteria by which LEAs have been assigned the new opportunities fund for sport allocation.

Richard Caborn: Further to my answer to my hon. Friend of 4 December 2001, Official Report, columns 155–56W, the new opportunities fund determined the formula for these allocations by relating 50 per cent. of the funding available to the number of school pupils in an area and 50 per cent. to the deprivation of that area defined by the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Swimming Pools

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what plans she has to provide the funding to refurbish and repair the United Kingdom's swimming pools;
	(2)  what plans she has to ensure that every major city in the United Kingdom has an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Richard Caborn: Swimming has benefited from substantial lottery funding over recent years. Up to September 2001, the sport had received £383 million in project development costs, making swimming the largest single beneficiary of Sport England lottery funding among sports to date.
	Sport England has worked closely with the Amateur Swimming Association to identify areas of need, and has agreed in principle to fund the development of eight new 50 metre pools in England. Funding has already been made available for 50 metre pools in Leeds, Liverpool and Loughborough.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

London Underground

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will name those persons working within central Government on aspects of the public-private partnership for London Underground who have within the past five years (a) served on the board of, (b) been employed by and (c) had a material connection to any of the companies which make up the consortia which have been accorded preferred bidder status for the public-private partnership for London Underground.

David Jamieson: holding answer 13 December 2001
	Primary responsibility for this matter within my Department rests with the London Underground task group, which maintains a register of interests. No staff within the group have such connections.

London Underground

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he received the proposed final draft contracts between London Underground and the private infrastructure companies; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. Bids for the modernisation contracts were received by London Underground on 4 January, as expected.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the latest date is by which he estimates that London Underground will take delivery of new rolling stock.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him on 19 December 2001, Official Report, columns 497–98W.

Jubilee Line

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the problems with the signalling system on the Jubilee line; and what measures will be taken to resolve them.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for London Underground. I have asked the Managing Director to reply and will place a copy of the letter in the House Library.

Housing Benefit

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of how many people were evicted by (a) private landlords and (b) social housing landlords because of local authority delay in paying housing benefit in 2001.

Sally Keeble: Such information is not available centrally. The Department for Work and Pensions is working with local authorities to reduce delays in processing housing benefit claims, including measures to involve landlords in verification of claims and to allow agency staff to determine claims. Draft national performance standards encourage local authorities to co-operate with landlords who are seeking information about the progress of housing benefit claims made by their tenants.

Plumbers and Electricians

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information he has collated on the number of prosecutions against contractors for dangerous plumbing and electrical work in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Whitehead: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Health and Safety Executive is the main enforcing authority for health and safety legislation in the work place. In the most recent year for which they have complete figures, April 2000 to March 2001, they were able to identify only one contractor who was prosecuted for dangerous electrical work. There may be other cases involving contractors in which electrical safety was a minor element which have not been identified. They were unable to identify any prosecutions for dangerous plumbing.
	HSE has a complete record only of prosecutions it has carried out under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related legislation dealing with health and safety in the workplace. HSE is not the sole enforcing authority. Health and safety in some premises, including shops, offices and warehouses, is enforced by local authorities. HSE does not have full information on the prosecutions carried out by these authorities.

Road Accidents

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of road accidents took place in 30 mph limits in the last three years for which figures are available.

John Spellar: Injury accidents on roads with a 30 mph limit accounted for 65 per cent. of all injury road accidents in each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. No information is available regarding the proportion of damage only accidents which took place on roads with a 30mph limit.

Speed Limits

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what legal powers local authorities have to introduce 20mph speed limits.

John Spellar: From 1999 local authorities have powers to introduce 20mph speed limits without the consent of the Secretary of State.
	The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Amendment) Act Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1608) removed the consent requirement for local authorities to make 20mph speed limits. The legislation came into force on 16 June 1999.

Speed Limits

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what legal restrictions there are on road signage relating to speed limits.

John Spellar: The designs and sizes of signs to be used for signing speed limits are specified in the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/1519 Part I). Conditions for their placing are specified in the Traffic Signs General Directions Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/1519 Part II as amended by SI 1995/2769).

Trains (Disabled Access)

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the likely impact of providing disabled and disability access on the capacity of trains.

Sally Keeble: There is no evidence to suggest that providing access for disabled people has any impact on the overall capacity of trains. There may be some effect on the number of fixed seats but this will depend on the type of rolling stock, on its interior design and on other factors not related to access. However, it is possible to mitigate seat loss, for example, by the use of tip up seats in wheelchair spaces.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made to establish a company limited by guarantee to bid for ownership of Railtrack and its assets, indicating by what date he expects the new company to be fully legally operational.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mr. Lazarowicz) on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 859W.

New Deal for Communities

Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much new deal for communities funding has been earmarked for expenditure on (a) building new homes and (b) repairing and improving existing stock in each of the new deal for communities areas.

Sally Keeble: The information is not available in the requested form.
	The 39 NDC partnerships have been allocated a total of £2 billion over the next 10 years. All partnerships have proposals to build and improve housing stock within their neighbourhoods. As part of the NDC Evaluation Programme and reprofiling exercise, partnerships are currently reviewing their delivery plans with the aim of ensuring that their programmes will achieve the desired outcomes. It is therefore not the best time to collect this data from NDC partnerships in the form requested.

Planning Conditions

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what procedures he operates to check that conditions attached to planning appeal decisions are carried out; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: Responsibility for checking that planning conditions are complied with rests with the relevant local planning authority. They have powers to enforce their compliance.

Homelessness

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the assistance given to the homeless who are trying to get a permanent home; and what new measures have been introduced since 1997.

Sally Keeble: Local authorities have a duty to provide appropriate advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless. In addition, there are provisions in the Homelessness Bill to ensure that each local authority formulates and publishes a homelessness strategy. This will help ensure that accommodation will be available for people who are, or may become homeless, as well as helping to prevent homelessness in the first place.
	Assistance is also provided for former rough sleepers in England through the work of the Rough Sleepers Unit. The RSU is ensuring that a further 1,000 permanent homes are available for former rough sleepers, bringing the total to more than 4,500. Most of these homes have already been provided with the remainder becoming available by late 2002.
	The RSU's strategy has also ensured that services have been developed to support individuals through the transition to permanent housing. The unit funds services which:
	1. prepare people for living inside by tackling addiction and mental health issues;
	2. help in securing accommodation through, for example, the use of rent deposit schemes and help finding furniture etc.;
	3. support former rough sleepers within their new homes through Tenancy Sustainment Teams, including youth, substance misuse, mental health and employment workers;
	4. equip individuals with the skills needed to live independently, help to access benefits and link them back into education, training and employment.
	I am also very concerned about the rising number of homeless households being placed in bed and breakfast accommodation. We have now established a Bed and Breakfast Unit which will shortly be announcing targets to reduce numbers placed in B&B over the next two years.

Homelessness

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what help is available to homeless people who have mental health problems and other health difficulties.

Sally Keeble: Local authorities have duties towards homeless people with mental health problems and other health difficulties under the Housing Act 1996. Under Part 6, reasonable preference must be given in the allocation of social housing to households who need settled accommodation on medical or welfare grounds. Under Part 7 of the Act, a local housing authority must secure accommodation for a person who is unintentionally homeless and vulnerable through mental illness or handicap or physical disability.
	The Supporting People programme, which comes onstream on 1 April 2003, will provide housing-related support to vulnerable groups, including homeless people with mental health problems and other health difficulties.
	The programme will provide support, with resettlement and rehabilitation, and will also help them to maintain tenancies, and prevent a recurrence of homelessness.
	Supporting People will be based on partnership working, and the programme will be planned and delivered in collaboration with local health and social care agencies. Through Supporting People, service users with additional needs will be helped to access other specialist services.
	The Rough Sleepers Unit (RSU), working closely with the Department of Health, funds services in England to help rough sleepers with mental health and substance misuse problems. These include specialist workers operating across all RSU funded services, and a range of hostels, specialist beds and permanent homes targeting those with mental health and substance misuse problems.
	All homeless people, including rough sleepers, are eligible to access health care and advice and register with a GP. The Department of Health has also funded Personal Medical Services (PMS) pilots, some of which are targeted specifically towards homeless people.
	The National Service Framework for Mental Health (NSF) is a 10-year programme spelling out national standards for mental health, what they aim to achieve, how they should be developed and delivered and how to measure performance. The standards in the NSF apply equally to the homeless. Specifically, Standard 1 relating to Health Promotion identifies rough sleepers as a "vulnerable" population.

Homelessness

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will investigate the problem of homelessness in rural areas with specific reference to the single homeless.

Sally Keeble: The Countryside Agency is planning to publish research on preventing homelessness in rural areas in the next few months. This research investigated homelessness in rural areas including single homelessness and will provide good practice on what works in preventing homelessness and the delivery of services to homeless people in rural areas.

Homelessness

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the levels of homelessness were in rural areas in each of the last five years, broken down by district.

Sally Keeble: I have placed the information requested in the Libraries of the House.

Vehicle Emissions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what regulations are in place to control vehicle emissions; and what measures there are to enforce them.

John Spellar: Separate sets of regulations to control vehicle emissions exist for new vehicles and for vehicles after sale.
	Statutory regulations specify the standard to which new model types must be constructed before vehicles can enter service. These regulations apply European directives which specify emissions limits and detailed test procedures. The relevant regulations are the Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1998, the Motor Vehicles (Type Approval) (Great Britain) Regulations 1984, the Motor Vehicles (Type Approval for Goods Vehicles) Regulations 1982, and the Motor Cycles Etc (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1999, as amended. These are enforced by the Vehicle Certification Agency.
	The Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2001 apply similar standards to those of type approval mainly for small numbers of imported cars and light goods vehicles (new or used) that are not type-approved at the manufacturing stage and these are enforced by the Vehicle Inspectorate Executive Agency (V.I.). Other vehicles not subject to type, or single vehicle, approval are regulated under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U).
	When in use vehicles must comply with emissions standards specified in the C&U Regulations. Compliance with C&U is assessed during a vehicle's annual roadworthiness inspection. In the case of heavy vehicles this is carried out by the V.I. and for passenger cars and light vans by privately operated (M.O.T) test centres under the supervision of the V.I. Roadside spot checks are also carried out by the V.I. and by local authorities.

Local Authority Asset Sales

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what amount of asset sales have been realised (a) by each local authority and (b) in total by local authorities in each of the last three years;
	(2)  what the total value was of the sale of local authority assets in each of the last four years; and if he will provide a detailed breakdown.

Alan Whitehead: The total value of the sale of local authority fixed assets in England in each of the last four years is as follows:
	
		Sale of fixed assets
		
			   £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 2,135 
			 1998–99 2,350 
			 1999–2000 3,227 
			 2000–01 3,107 
		
	
	Source:
	Capital Outturn Return (COR2) for 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, Capital Payments and Receipts (CPR4) for 2000–01
	I am placing in the Libraries of the House the corresponding figures for individual local authorities in England for each of the relevant four years.

Buses (Essex)

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many miles were travelled by buses in the county of Essex on scheduled passenger journeys which were in receipt of the rural bus subsidy grant in (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000 and (d) 2001.

Sally Keeble: The rural bus subsidy grant scheme was introduced in 1998–99. The figures for the county of Essex are as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Local bus vehicle mileage 
		
		
			 1998–99 (6)127,500 
			 1999–2000 865,300 
			 2000–01 1,333,500 
		
	
	(6) First services started in January 1999.
	Source:
	Local authority annual returns to DTLR.

Buses (Essex)

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many miles were travelled by buses on scheduled passenger journeys in the county of Essex in (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000 and (d) 2001.

Sally Keeble: The information has been estimated from the DTLR's annual survey of bus and coach operators for the financial years 1998–99 to 2000–01. The figures show estimated total vehicle miles operated on scheduled commercial and subsidised local bus services in the county of Essex, excluding the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea.
	
		Million 
		
			 Financial year Scheduled local bus service vehicle miles 
		
		
			 1998–99 27.5 
			 1999–2000 28.0 
			 2000–01 29.1 
		
	
	Source:
	DTLR annual survey of PSV operators.

Local Authority Funding

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what basis his indicative settlement for Worcestershire has been determined.

Alan Whitehead: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 4 December 2001, Official Report, columns 167–70.

Thameslink 2000

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the most recent estimate is of the cost of the Thameslink 2000 project.

John Spellar: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The scope and options for delivering the project, if powers are granted under the TWA Order, will influence the final cost. These matters are the subject of continuing discussions between Railtrack and the Strategic Rail Authority following the Procurement Review announced on 2 April. Although it is clear that project costs will be higher than previously estimated, until the outstanding matters have been resolved a meaningful estimate cannot be given.

Highways (Southern England)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what roads on the Isle of Wight and in Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire are the responsibility of his Department; what (a) agency and (b) other arrangements exist for the maintenance of those roads; and what consultation agents undertake with his Department on works and traffic management schemes affecting those roads.

David Jamieson: holding answer 11 January 2002
	I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Andrew Turner, dated 14 January 2002
	I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about roads on the Isle of Wight and in the County of Hampshire.
	The Highways Agency manages the motorway and trunk road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR). Maintenance of these roads is carried out by Managing Agents and Term Maintenance Contractors. The roads we are responsible for in Hampshire are the M3, M27, M271 and the A3(M) Motorways and A3, A339, A34, A303, A27 and A31 all purpose trunk roads. We have no responsibility for roads on the Isle of Wight.
	The Agency sets standards for works and traffic management, and the way they are carried out to a level agreed with the Department. Those standards are built in to the commissions we give to our agents.

Wimbledon Football Club

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions since November Lord Falconer has had with representatives of Merton borough council, concerning the former Wimbledon football club site.

Sally Keeble: My noble Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning Regeneration has had no discussions with representatives of Merton borough council about this issue since November.

Heathrow

Tony Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent changes there have been in the arrangements for the stacking of aircraft before landing at Heathrow; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for approving the arrangements for the stacking of aircraft before landing at Heathrow and it has confirmed that there have been no recent changes to the arrangements that exist.

Home Sellers' Packs

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will ensure that home sellers' packs include information on (a) a flooding history of the property and (b) whether the property entails riparian ownership.

Sally Keeble: Under the Government's proposals for sellers' packs, prospective buyers will be provided with key information about homes being marketed for sale. We are planning to go out to consultation in the spring to seek views on the contents of the sellers' pack. Information concerning flood risk and obligations that will transfer with the ownership of the property are among the items to be covered by the consultation.
	In the meantime, the Environment Agency is currently engaged in discussions with the Law Society on making an 'Environment Agency Property Search Report', a standard part of the domestic and commercial conveyancing process in England and Wales. A pilot trial is running in North Wales and work is under way to extend this. Each Environment Agency report will include information on flood risk as well as other environmental data for which the agency has responsibility.

Revenue Support Grant

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the revenue support grant paid to smaller district authorities in the recent statement.

Alan Whitehead: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley) on 18 December 2001, Official Report, column 137.

Aggregates Levy

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what provision he has made in his road-building programme for additional costs arising from the aggregates levy.

David Jamieson: We estimate that the aggregates levy will add less than one per cent. to the cost of the 50 schemes in the Targeted Programme of Improvements. That estimate is likely to be high because of the increasing use of recycled aggregates which the levy was designed to encourage.

Chiltern Line Franchise

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress with the renewal of the Chiltern line franchise; and when he expects a final agreement to be reached.

David Jamieson: The new franchise agreement has been presented to the Strategic Rail Authority's board for their approval. If approval is granted the Secretary of State's consent is then required to enter into a new agreement.

Central Railway

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will announce a decision on the request of Central Railway plc for a hybrid Bill to implement their scheme.

David Jamieson: The Government are considering carefully Central Railway's proposals for a hybrid Bill. We will take a view on the issues raised by proposals and respond to Central Railway in due course.

Railways

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what inquiries he has received from Ernst and Young as to the level of Government funding to the rail network over the next (a) one year, (b) five years and (c) 10 years.

Stephen Byers: Ernst and Young, in their work on administration of Railtrack plc preparing for the transfer of the business out of administration, have asked my officials for information about the future funding of the railway industry.

Railways

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from Ernst and Young on the level of future Government funding of the rail network.

Stephen Byers: None.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she intends to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 10 December with regard to Ms J Wallwork.

Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills replied to my right hon. Friend's letter of 10 December today, 14 January 2002.

Pre-school Organisations

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many initiatives requiring action by pre-school organisations have been initiated by the Government in 2001.

Margaret Hodge: In addition to existing programmes, a total of five new programmes were launched by Government in 2001, providing enhanced opportunities for pre-school organisations and focused on increasing funding for the early years and child care sector and raising quality and standards for parents and children. A list is provided for information.
	The expansion and development of existing early years programmes such as the universal nursery provision for all three and four-year-olds, has also provided a welcome boost to the sector.
	Also introduced in September 2001 were the National Standards for Under 8s Day Care and Childminding, and the transfer of Regulation of Day Care to Ofsted.
	Initiatives launched 2001:
	1. The Local Network Fund:
	This was launched in May 2001 to enable local voluntary and community groups to provide local solutions to child poverty. The fund provides grants up to £7,000 for work with children and young people aged 0–19. Projects run by voluntary organisations for pre-school children are already benefiting from the fund.
	2. Universal Nursery Provision for three and four year olds:
	Funding of £200 million has been made available in 2001–02 to provide up to 170,000 free part-time early education places for three-year-olds. The majority of these new free places are expected to be in the private, voluntary and independent sectors including pre-schools. To obtain this funding pre-schools must apply to their local education authority.
	3. Day Care Expansion programme:
	Supported with £4 million of ESF was introduced in March 2001. The grant is aimed at encouraging and assisting providers in all sectors to make the move to provision of longer care, ideally full day care but certainly not less than four hours. Application for funding would be through EYDCPs.
	4. Playgroups provide day care/wraparound:
	An initiative was introduced to aid the conversion, by 2004, of at least 21,000 playgroups places to move to day care/wraparound care provision. The aim of this initiative is to enable playgroup places to be converted from sessional provision to day care, or wraparound care, combining early years education and care. This assists parents by allowing them sufficient time to take up employment, training or educational opportunities. Capital funding of £6 million is being made available from 2002–03 to aid this conversion programme. This initiative contributes to the Government's strategic aim of creating 1.6 million new child care places by March 2004.
	5. Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative (NNI):
	This is part of the Government's wider Neighbourhood Childcare strategy. The NNI aims to create new child care places in day nurseries, in the most disadvantaged areas of the country. It aims to help reduce child poverty by helping parents take up work and training that will help them into work. It should also improve the life chances of children through access to quality care, early education and support.
	National Standards for Under 8s Day Care and Childminding, and the transfer of Regulation of Day Care to Ofsted:
	Regulation under OFSTED provides for a single, national policy on the regulation of day care providers and child minders, which will help to ensure consistency of policy and procedures across the whole of England.

Faith-based Schools

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many letters of (a) support and (b) opposition she has had to the Government's proposal for faith-based schools.

Stephen Timms: The Departmental team dealing with faith schools has received 340 letters since publication of the Government's proposals in the White Paper. Of those, (a) five supported an increase in faith schools and (b) 335 were opposed. In the main, the letters of opposition were objecting to faith schools in principle.

Faith-based Schools

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what response she has had from (a) the Church of England, (b) the Roman Catholic Church, (c) the non-conformist churches, (d) the Muslim community, (e) the Hindu community and (f) other faiths to the Government's proposal for faith-based schools.

Stephen Timms: The Government's proposal for faith-based schools was part of the White Paper, "Schools: achieving success", on which the churches and faith groups were consulted. Ministers and officials continue to hold meetings with them to listen to views on the implementation of the White Paper proposals and related matters.
	A copy of the Interim Report on the White Paper consultation has been placed in the Library and the full report will be published in due course.

Rural Schools

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools there were in rural areas, broken down by (i) constituency and (ii) local education authority in each year since 1990.

Stephen Timms: At this level of detail the information requested is not readily available and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Information from the Register of Educational Establishments shows that at present there are an estimated 2,727 maintained primary schools (15.2 per cent. of all primary schools) and an estimated 78 maintained secondary schools (2.3 per cent. of all secondary schools) classified as being either wholly or predominantly rural.

School Lunches

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the price of (a) primary and (b) secondary school lunches by local authority in descending order.

Stephen Timms: Information on the price of school lunches is not collected centrally.

Learning and Skills Council

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has given the Learning and Skills Council about provisions for the over 60s; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Government are committed to creating a learning society in which everyone, of every age and in all circumstances enjoys learning throughout life. Research shows that learning has many benefits for older people in particular, including increased self- confidence, self-esteem and better health and well being, all helping to contribute to an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. We want to encourage more older people to take advantage of the benefits of learning, particularly older people who have not previously engaged in learning or who have been "hard to reach". So we are working to raise awareness of the value of later life learning via our Learning in Later Life Campaign; encouraging practitioners to share good practice; working with libraries, museums and galleries to help unlock their potential as places of learning; and undertaking research into the learning needs of older people.
	Accordingly, in his remit letter to the Learning and Skills Council in November 2000, the then Secretary of State emphasised that learning can help to strengthen families; build stronger neighbourhoods; help older people to stay healthy and active, and encourage independence for all by opening up new opportunities. He also highlighted that many adults, including large numbers of older and retired learners, would want to pursue high quality and rigorous study for its own sake, and that he expected provision to be made available to meet their needs. To support this, we have increased funding for adult and community learning—provision which many older people access—to £165 million in 2002–03.

Higher Education

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many officials of her Department work on higher education policy.

Margaret Hodge: The higher education group in the Department comprises some 190 full-time equivalent officials, although staff elsewhere in the Department also contribute to higher education policy.

Social Exclusion

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent meetings she has held in order to co-ordinate policy on the implementation of the social exclusion unit's report on young people.

John Denham: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The principles and recommendations of the report from the social exclusion unit's policy action team (12) on young people continue to form the agenda of the children and young people's unit and the great majority of my meetings in my role as Minister responsible for young people are concerned with work taking forward its recommendations.
	Two recent initiatives are of particular importance: the publication of the Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People, launched on 2 November, and the consultation on the Government's proposed Strategy for Children and Young People, which began on 21 November. The core principles provide a framework that Government Departments have agreed to work to in order to increase the effective involvement of children and young people in the design and provision of policies and services. The strategy sets out a framework for measuring and monitoring real-life outcomes in children and young people's lives—the consultation will help shape priorities for spending over £40 billion each year on services for children and young people. I have, of course, met Ministers with an interest in children and young people's issues to discuss and agree both documents which are key elements in the implementation of the report's recommendations.

Education Bill

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what powers (a) will be removed from local government and (b) she will gain under the Education Bill.

Stephen Timms: Our key aim in legislating through the Education Bill is to remove barriers to innovation and free providers to adopt new approaches to the delivery of education. An important part of this is the creation of a legislative framework that can be adapted more easily to changing circumstances so that we can be more responsive to schools and LEAs delivering services. The Bill does not signal any change in our view of the role of local government. We know that LEAs have an important role to play in school improvement and are committed to working with them.
	All the measures in the Bill are consistent with our principle of intervention in inverse proportion to success. Where schools and LEAs are delivering good quality services, we will support them to do so. If services should fail the children and young people involved, then intervention will be swift and decisive, so that they receive the quality of education which is their right.
	It is not, therefore, our intention to change the balance of powers between central and local government through the Education Bill.

Specialist Schools (South Tyneside)

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how specialist schools in South Tyneside have performed compared with other schools in South Tyneside.

Stephen Timms: As shown in the table the two specialist schools in South Tyneside are performing above the LEA's average in relation to the percentage of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C.
	
		Percentage of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs grades A*-C in 2001
		
			   Percentage 
		
		
			 Harton School 40 
			 St. Joseph's RC Voluntary Aided Comprehensive School 52 
			 LEA average 39

Education Standard Spending

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the education standard spending per pupil in Swindon was in each of the last three years; and what the average was for all authorities was in those years.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is shown in the following table:
	
		SSA per pupil (primary and secondary unit cost) -- £
		
			 LEA Name 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 3,021 3,152 3,331 
			 Barnet 2,857 2,987 3,156 
			 Barnsley 2,559 2,683 2,800 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 2,428 2,528 2,618 
			 Bedfordshire 2,566 2,693 2,841 
			 Bexley 2,750 2,861 3,017 
			 Birmingham 2,820 2,959 3,082 
			 Blackburn 2,734 2,865 2,974 
			 Blackpool 2,568 2,708 2,820 
			 Bolton 2,560 2,674 2,782 
			 Bournemouth 2,560 2,672 2,773 
			 Bracknell Forest 2,608 2,722 2,869 
			 Bradford 2,702 2,840 2,958 
			 Brent 3,314 3,431 3,627 
			 Brighton and Hove 2,703 2,839 2,999 
			 Bromley 2,705 2,806 2,966 
			 Buckinghamshire 2,575 2,701 2,844 
			 Bury 2,465 2,589 2,701 
			 Calderdale 2,567 2,688 2,803 
			 Cambridgeshire 2,485 2,591 2,697 
			 Camden 3,721 3,913 4,095 
			 Cheshire 2,443 2,547 2,650 
			 City of Bristol 2,599 2,723 2,845 
			 City of Kingston-upon-Hull 2,694 2,844 2,970 
			 City of London 3,459 3,514 3,470 
			 Cornwall 2,574 2,682 2,799 
			 Coventry 2,665 2,788 2,894 
			 Croydon 2,933 3,061 3,231 
			 Cumbria 2,538 2,660 2,771 
			 Darlington 2,546 2,683 2,785 
			 Derby 2,602 2,733 2,849 
			 Derbyshire 2,440 2,553 2,665 
			 Devon 2,540 2,649 2,753 
			 Doncaster 2,659 2,775 2,872 
			 Dorset 2,464 2,577 2,678 
			 Dudley 2,448 2,550 2,662 
			 Durham 2,574 2,704 2,820 
			 Ealing 3,097 3,241 3,431 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2,466 2,582 2,684 
			 East Sussex 2,625 2,761 2,910 
			 Enfield 2,976 3,098 3,292 
			 Essex 2,631 2,757 2,904 
			 Gateshead 2,597 2,721 2,832 
			 Gloucestershire 2,474 2,576 2,679 
			 Greenwich 3,518 3,688 3,862 
			 Hackney 3,941 4,118 4,295 
			 Halton 2,675 2,812 2,941 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 3,715 3,899 4,095 
			 Hampshire 2,503 2,624 2,765 
			 Haringey 3,395 3,545 3,752 
			 Harrow 2,823 2,955 3,138 
			 Hartlepool 2,627 2,767 2,888 
			 Havering 2,713 2,824 2,982 
			 Herefordshire 2,546 2,664 2,768 
			 Hertfordshire 2,659 2,785 2,933 
			 Hillingdon 2,817 2,943 3,104 
			 Hounslow 3,038 3,170 3,361 
			 Isle of Wight Council 2,706 2,862 3,019 
			 Isles of Scilly 4,660 4,846 5,040 
			 Islington 3,760 3,971 4,172 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 3,616 3,854 4,112 
			 Kent 2,627 2,757 2,905 
			 Kingston upon Thames 2,699 2,805 2,963 
			 Kirklees 2,589 2,706 2,822 
			 Knowsley 2,965 3,129 3,240 
			 Lambeth 3,956 4,148 4,340 
			 Lancashire 2,540 2,666 2,778 
			 Leeds 2,558 2,681 2,794 
			 Leicester 2,768 2,900 3,031 
			 Leicestershire 2,385 2,490 2,591 
			 Lewisham 3,667 3,815 3,984 
			 Lincolnshire 2,560 2,671 2,781 
			 Liverpool 2,907 3,082 3,202 
			 Luton 2,798 2,929 3,081 
			 Manchester 2,996 3,162 3,292 
			 Merton 2,881 3,004 3,178 
			 Middlesbrough 2,758 2,903 3,043 
			 Milton Keynes 2,658 2,776 2,926 
			 Newbury 2,502 2,625 2,777 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 2,736 2,878 2,999 
			 Newham 3,434 3,582 3,774 
			 Norfolk 2,558 2,681 2,793 
			 North East Lincolnshire 2,604 2,748 2,876 
			 North Lincolnshire 2,577 2,700 2,806 
			 North Somerset 2,454 2,559 2,660 
			 North Tyneside 2,529 2,653 2,766 
			 North Yorkshire 2,513 2,633 2,741 
			 Northamptonshire 2,490 2,597 2,702 
			 Northumberland 2,531 2,645 2,759 
			 Nottingham City 2,800 2,928 3,054 
			 Nottinghamshire 2,477 2,597 2,703 
			 Oldham 2,636 2,758 2,879 
			 Oxfordshire 2,559 2,687 2,838 
			 Peterborough 2,656 2,784 2,903 
			 Plymouth 2,558 2,695 2,802 
			 Poole 2,431 2,524 2,636 
			 Portsmouth 2,689 2,809 2,958 
			 Reading 2,662 2,796 2,956 
			 Redbridge 2,895 3,017 3,184 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 2,641 2,758 2,880 
			 Richmond upon Thames 2,643 2,747 2,909 
			 Rochdale 2,650 2,788 2,900 
			 Rochester and Gillingham 2,597 2,725 2,874 
			 Rotherham 2,561 2,670 2,779 
			 Rutland 2,442 2,536 2,628 
			 Salford 2,676 2,799 2,921 
			 Sandwell 2,689 2,797 2,926 
			 Sefton 2,559 2,692 2,789 
			 Sheffield 2,593 2,714 2,828 
			 Shropshire 2,497 2,602 2,716 
			 Slough 3,098 3,235 3,422 
			 Solihull 2,437 2,537 2,636 
			 Somerset 2,497 2,602 2,711 
			 South Gloucestershire 2,370 2,463 2,556 
			 South Tyneside 2,662 2,800 2,925 
			 Southampton 2,730 2,867 3,033 
			 Southend 2,678 2,811 2,959 
			 Southwark 3,744 3,894 4,083 
			 St. Helens 2,571 2,694 2,807 
			 Staffordshire 2,422 2,530 2,637 
			 Stockport 2,422 2,536 2,639 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 2,592 2,712 2,826 
			 Stoke on Trent 2,560 2,703 2,845 
			 Suffolk 2,487 2,600 2,704 
			 Sunderland 2,625 2,743 2,867 
			 Surrey 2,615 2,735 2,892 
			 Sutton 2,765 2,865 3,018 
			 Swindon 2,465 2,577 2,675 
			 Tameside 2,537 2,667 2,782 
			 The Wrekin 2,571 2,695 2,806 
			 Thurrock 2,779 2,909 3,054 
			 Torbay 2,587 2,712 2,814 
			 Tower Hamlets 4,035 4,191 4,406 
			 Trafford 2,519 2,628 2,728 
			 Wakefield 2,493 2,612 2,725 
			 Walsall 2,591 2,706 2,809 
			 Waltham Forest 3,173 3,289 3,485 
			 Wandsworth 3,425 3,551 3,704 
			 Warrington 2,424 2,529 2,632 
			 Warwickshire 2,451 2,558 2,663 
			 West Sussex 2,545 2,666 2,818 
			 Westminster 3,536 3,721 3,891 
			 Wigan 2,469 2,580 2,683 
			 Wiltshire 2,480 2,585 2,686 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 2,639 2,774 2,922 
			 Wirral 2,647 2,784 2,896 
			 Wokingham 2,398 2,510 2,646 
			 Wolverhampton 2,693 2,808 2,932 
			 Worcestershire 2,434 2,541 2,644 
			 York 2,442 2,555 2,654 
			 Average for England 2,658 2,782 2,911

Education Funding (Sunderland)

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the real terms increase has been in (a) capital and (b) revenue budgets for the Sunderland education authority in each year from 1997 inclusive; and what the projected increase is in each of the next three years.

Stephen Timms: The information requested from 1997–98 to 2001–02 is in the following table. Allocations for subsequent years have not yet been finalised so comparable figures for 2002–03 to 2004–05 are not available.
	
		Sunderland's recurrent and capital allocations in real terms -- £ million
		
			   Recurrent Increase Capital Increase 
		
		
			 1997–98 118.76 — 8.48 — 
			 1998–99 125.47 + 6.71 7.18 - 1.30 
			 1999–2000 132.60 + 7.13 8.43 + 1.24 
			 2000–01 145.23 + 12.63 14.19 + 5.77 
			 2001–02 158.90 + 13.68 27.83 + 13.64 
		
	
	(7) SSA + grants
	Note:
	Figures rounded to two decimal places

Revenue Support Grant

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the category and amounts of each grant outside the revenue support grant which her Department has provided to (a) Westminster city council and (b) Kensington and Chelsea in (i) 2000–01 and (ii) 2001–02.

Stephen Timms: The following tables show the Department's allocated grants to Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea local education authorities in 2000–01 and 2001–02.
	
		Westminster local education authority -- £
		
			   2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Standards Fund 5,348,906 7,023,787 
			 Teachers Pay Reform Grant(8) 589,113 604,461 
			 Nursery Education Grant (three-year-olds)(9) 815,164 954,360 
			 Nursery Education Grant (four-year-olds) 543,259 — 
			 Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (early years) — 9,711 
			 Early Years Training and Support 15,260 66,589 
			 Childcare Grant 239,842 1,426,779 
			 School Standards Grant(9) 687,000 1,468,500 
			 School Budget Support Grant 127,851 — 
			 Education Action Zone 484,000 (10)— 
			 Capital Grant 4,089,000 3,909,000 
		
	
	(8) Funding to date.
	(9) 2001–02 figures may be subject to change.
	(10) Funding made directly to the Education Action Zone in Westminster. Up to £550,000 grant is available to the zone in 2001–02, conditional on the zone receiving £250,000 in eligible private sector sponsorship.
	Note:
	Amounts are in cash terms
	
		Kensington and Chelsea local education authority -- £
		
			   2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Standards Fund 2,948,447 4,377,269 
			 Teachers Pay Reform Grant(11) 329,912 434,337 
			 Nursery Education Grant (three-year-olds)(12) 341,506 475,200 
			 Nursery Education Grant (four-year-olds) 262,079 — 
			 Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (early years) — 6,243 
			 Early Years Training and Support 10,060 42,807 
			 Childcare Grant 205,198 1,294,679 
			 School Standards Grant(12) 430,000 944,500 
			 School Budget Support Grant 69,766 — 
			 Transitional Funding and Insurance Grant (former GM Schools) 100,078 123,581 
			 Capital Grant 1,929,000 2,014,000 
		
	
	(11) Funding to date
	(12) 2001–01 figures may be subject to change
	Note:
	Amounts are in cash terms

Teachers' Performance Management Assessment

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations she has received regarding the success of teachers' performance management assessment; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Ministers regularly receive representations about performance management and also about assessments under the threshold pay system.
	All schools have established new performance management arrangements and initial performance reviews will be completed this year. Nearly 200,000 teachers in England have been assessed as meeting the threshold standards and promoted to the upper pay scale.

Standards Fund (Somerset)

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the Standards Funds received by schools in Somerset local education authority in (a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02.

Stephen Timms: The following table shows allocations for the Standards Fund for Somerset local education authority in 2000–01 and 2001–02. The figures include both Government and local authority contributions. The amount actually paid to schools depends on local expenditure decisions by schools and the local authority.
	
		Standards Fund allocations for Somerset county council
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2000–01  
			 Administrative support for small schools 1,042,727 
			 Advanced skills teachers 168,000 
			 Beacon schools 140,500 
			 Best practice research scholarships 1,060 
			 Class size initiative 2,821,469 
			 Devolved formula capital for schools 3,325,935 
			 Early excellence centres 109,440 
			 Early years training and development 154,004 
			 Education and health partnerships 51,878 
			 Ethnic minority pupils and traveller achievement 246,840 
			 Local authority music services 727,450 
			 Key stage 3 numeracy: secondary schools conference 24,852 
			 Literacy and numeracy: summer schools and key stage 3 176,000 
			 Primary literacy and numeracy strategies 1,363,942 
			 National grid for learning 5,521,192 
			 New national curriculum 184,800 
			 Performance management training 439,418 
			 Qualifications 81,022 
			 School improvement 2,776,315 
			 School laboratories for the 21st century 250,561 
			 School leadership 352,176 
			 School security 228,176 
			 Secondary school learning support units 117,710 
			 Seed capital challenge 267,108 
			 Small school support fund 340,822 
			 Social inclusion, drugs and youth 814,302 
			 Special educational needs 543,771 
			 Specialist schools 815,716 
			 Study support 79,911 
			 Summer schools for gifted and talented pupils 27,000 
			 Support for parent governor representatives 1,200 
			 Supported early retirement scheme for heads 183,941 
			 Teacher incentives 25,006 
			 Teaching assistants 1,184,249 
			 Working environment fund 214,780 
			 Year 6 literacy and numeracy booster classes 436,571 
			 Total 25,239,844 
			   
			 2001–02  
			 Advanced skills teachers 280,500 
			 Beacon schools 232,500 
			 Year 6 literacy and numeracy booster classes 495,228 
			 Children in public care 56,420 
			 Devolved formula capital for schools 2,692,912 
			 Drugs, alcohol and tobacco 143,710 
			 Early excellence centres 168,680 
			 Early years training and development 181,344 
			 Education health partnerships 53,002 
			 Ethnic minority achievement 94,353 
			 Gifted and talented children 36,000 
			 Induction of newly qualified teachers 341,412 
			 Information management strategy 310,994 
			 Class size initiative 2,465,974 
			 Transforming key stage 3 569,106 
			 Learning support units 228,875 
			 Literacy and numeracy summer schools 230,000 
			 Local education authority music services 727,400 
			 National curriculum 185,683 
			 Primary literacy and numeracy strategies 1,711,941 
			 NDS condition funding 1,093,901 
			 National grid for learning 3,128,412 
			 performance management 249,801 
			 Playing for success 100,000 
			 Qualifications 28,005 
			 School achievement awards 522,600 
			 School improvement 1,865,000 
			 School laboratories 250,561 
			 School leadership 267,597 
			 School security 228,062 
			 Seed capital challenge 303,588 
			 Sick children 16,120 
			 Small schools fund 1,370,467 
			 Social inclusion: pupil support 865,800 
			 Special educational needs 588,380 
			 Specialist schools 885,063 
			 Study support 518,252 
			 Supported early retirement scheme for heads 80,000 
			 Teaching assistants 1,787,640 
			 Traveller children achievement 152,487 
			 Year 9 booster classes 135,000 
			 Total 25,672,770

School Standards Grant (Somerset)

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the direct grants for schools in Somerset local education authority in (a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02.

Stephen Timms: The following table shows School Standards Grant payable for each school in Somerset in 2000–01 and 2001–02.
	
		School standards grant: Somerset LEA -- £
		
			 School number School name 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 1100 The Sedgemoor Centre 3,000 7,000 
			 1101 The Mendip Centre 3,000 7,000 
			 1102 Yeovil Centre 3,000 7,000 
			 1103 The Taunton Centre 3,000 7,000 
			 2001 Ashill Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2008 Castle Cary Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2019 Coxley Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2020 Ditcheat Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2022 Dunster First School 6,000 13,500 
			 2028 Vallis First School 9,000 24,000 
			 2029 Hambirdge Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2030 Hemington Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2032 Horrington Primary School 6,000 7,000 
			 2034 Huish Episcopi Primary School 9,000 13,500 
			 2038 Keinton Mandeville Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2041 Kingsbury Episcopi Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2043 Leigh-upon-Mendip First School 3,000 7,000 
			 2045 Meare Village Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2046 Merriott First School 3,000 7,000 
			 2047 Milborne Port Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2048 Minehead First School 9,000 24,000 
			 2051 Nunney First School 3,000 7,000 
			 2057 Priddy Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2059 Countess Gytha Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2062 Shepton Mallet Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2064 Somerton Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2067 Stoke St. Michael Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2068 Elmhurst Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2069 Hindhayes Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2070 Tatworth Primary School 9,000 13,500 
			 2074 Stoberry Park Infant School 6,000 — 
			 2081 Wincanton Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2082 Winsham Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2085 Wookey Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2089 Manor Court Community Primary school 9,000 30,000 
			 2102 Avishayes Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2106 Bowlish Infant School 3,000 7,000 
			 2110 Neroche Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2112 Stoberry Park Junior School 6,000 — 
			 2113 Brookside Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2114 Hayesdown First School 9,000 24,000 
			 2118 Wellesley Park Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2150 Ashcott Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2152 Eastover Community Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2156 Hamp Community Jnuior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2157 Hamp Nursery and Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2165 Burnham-on-Sea Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2166 Catcott Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2168 Cossington Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2169 East Huntspill School 3,000 7,000 
			 2170 Beechfielde Infant School 6,000 24,000 
			 2172 Middlezoy Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2174 Northmoor Green Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2175 North Newton Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2176 North Petherton Community Jnuior School 6,000 13,500 
			 2177 Othery Village School 3,000 7,000 
			 2178 Otterhampton Primary school 3,000 7,000 
			 2179 Pawlett Primary school 3,000 7,000 
			 2180 Puriton Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2182 Somerset Bridge Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2184 West Huntspill Community Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2185 Westonzoyland Community Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2186 Woolavington Community Priamry School 6,000 24,000 
			 2190 North Petherton Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2200 Bishops Hull Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2203 Churchstanton Primary School 6,000 7,000 
			 2205 Lydeard St. Lawrence Community primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2206 Milverton Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2210 Pitminster School 3,000 7,000 
			 2211 Sampford Arundel Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2212 Stawley Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2215 Halcon Community Primary school 6,000 13,500 
			 2216 North Town Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2219 Priorswood Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2221 Wellsprings Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2224 Beech Grove Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2226 West Buckland Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2227 Wiveliscombe Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2228 Parkfield Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2229 Lyngford Park Primary Schol 9,000 24,000 
			 2250 Wedmore First School 9,000 13,500 
			 2255 Cheddar First School 9,000 24,000 
			 2300 Barwick and Stoford Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2302 East Coker Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2306 South Petherton Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 2307 Castle Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2309 Huish Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2310 Milford Junior School 9,000 30,000 
			 2311 Milford Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2312 Pen Mill Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2314 Reckleford Infant and Nursery School 6,000 13,500 
			 2315 Parcroft Community Jnuior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2316 Westfield Infants' Community School 9,000 24,000 
			 2319 Grass Royal Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2320 Birchfield Community Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2323 Sedgemoor Manor Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2324 Sedgemoor Manor Community Jnuior School 9,000 30,000 
			 2325 Westover Green Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2326 Oake and Bradford Community Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2327 Illchester Community School 9,000 24,000 
			 2329 The Redstart Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2330 Blackbrook Primary school 9,000 24,000 
			 2331 Kingsmoor Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2332 Holway Park Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2333 Stoberry Park Community School — 13,500 
			 3001 Baltonsborough Church of England VC Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3003 St. Mary and St. Peter's Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3008 Beckington Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3009 Berkley Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3010 Binegar Church of England VC Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3017 Butleigh Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3020 Charlton Mackerell CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3029 Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School 6,000 24,000 
			 3034 Compton Dundon CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3035 Ashlands Church of England First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3037 St. Bartholomew's Church of England First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3039 Curry Mallet Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3040 Curry Rivel Church of England VC Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3041 St. Aldhelm's Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3042 All Saints CofE School 6,000 13,500 
			 3047 Evercreech Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3048 Exford Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3057 Chirst Church CofE First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3058 Trinity church of England First School 9,000 24,000 
			 3060 St. John's Church of England VC Infants School 9,000 24,000 
			 3061 St. Nicholas CofE Primary School, Henstridge 3,000 7,000 
			 3062 High Ham Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3064 Hinton St. George Church of England School 3,000 7,000 
			 3065 Horsington Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3066 Greenfylde Church of England First School 9,000 24,000 
			 3072 Kinsdon Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3076 Lovington Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3078 Mells Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3079 St. Michael's Church of England First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3080 Misterton Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3084 North Cadbury Church of England Primary School 3,000 13,500 
			 3085 Oakhill Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3086 Old Cleeve CofE School, Washford 6,000 13,500 
			 3098 Shepton Beauchamp Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3101 Stogumber CofE First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3105 Abbas and Templecombe CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3110 Walton Church of England VC Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3114 Wells Central CofE Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 3115 St. Cuthbert's Church of England Infants School 9,000 24,000 
			 3119 St. Lawrence's CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3121 West Pennard Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3123 St. Peter's Church of England VC Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 3129 Upton Noble CofE VC Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3132 St. Paul's Church of England VC Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 3151 St. Mary's VC Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3152 St. Andrew's Church of England VC Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 3154 Cannington Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3156 St. John's church of England Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 3158 Nether Stowey Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3159 Spaxton CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3175 Bishops Lydeard Church of England VC Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3176 Cheddon Fitzpaine Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3178 Creech St. Michael Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3179 Hatch Beauchamp Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3180 Kingston St. Mary Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3181 Langford Budville Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3182 North Curry CofE VC Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3184 Norton Fitzwarren CofE VC Community School 6,000 13,500 
			 3185 Nynehed Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3186 Rockwell Green Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3189 Staplegrove CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3190 Stoke St. Gregory Church of England Primary 3,000 7,000 
			 3191 St. Andrew's Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3195 West Monkton Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3196 Burrowbridge Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3225 Axbridge Church of England First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3226 Berrow Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3227 Brent Knoll Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3232 East Brent Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3236 Lympsham Chruch of England VC First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3237 Mark Church of England VC First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3238 Shipham Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3240 Weare Church of England First School 6,000 13,500 
			 3276 Ash Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3277 Chilthorne Domer Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3278 Haselbury Plucknett Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3281 Norton-sub-Hamdon Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3283 Preston CofE VC Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 3284 West Chinnock Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3285 West Coker CofE VC Primary School 6,000 7,000 
			 3286 Ruishton Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3287 Rode Methodist VC First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3288 Archbishop Cranmer CofE Community Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3289 Wembdon St. George's CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3302 Buckland St. Mary Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3305 Chewton Mendip Church of England VA Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3307 Combe St. Nicholas CofE VA Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3311 Croscombe Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3313 Crowcombe church of England VA First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3314 Cutcombe Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3317 Draycott and Rodney Stoke CofE First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3322 St. Benedict's Church of England VA Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 3329 Kilmersdon Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3331 Long Sutton CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3342 Norton St. Philip Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3344 St. Dubricius Church of England VA School 3,000 7,000 
			 3353 Monteclefe Church of England Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 3356 Stogursey Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3358 St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3359 Timberscombe Church of England First School 3,000 7,000 
			 3361 St. Joseph and St. Teresa Catholic Primary School 6,000 7,000 
			 3369 St. John's Church of England VA First School, Frome 9,000 24,000 
			 3371 St. Louis Catholic Primary School, Frome 6,000 13,500 
			 3400 St. John and St. Francis CofE VA Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 3401 St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Bridgwater 9,000 24,000 
			 3402 St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Nursery 9,000 24,000 
			 3433 Holy Trinity CofE VA Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3436 Thurlbear Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3437 Trull Church of England VA Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3438 St. George's Catholic School 9,000 24,000 
			 3439 Bishop Henderson CofE Primary School, Taunton 9,000 30,000 
			 3484 South Petherton Church of England Infants School 3,000 7,000 
			 3485 St. Margaret's School, Tintinhull 3,000 7,000 
			 3486 Martock Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3487 St. Gildas Catholic Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3488 Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Primary School, Wincanton 6,000 13,500 
			 3489 Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3490 Knights Templar CofE/Methodist Community School 9,000 24,000 
			 3492 St. Vigor and St. John Church of England Primary School 6,000 24,000 
			 3493 All Saints Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 4000 Frome Community College 50,000 82,000 
			 4100 Bishop Fox's Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4201 Westfield Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4250 Ansford Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4257 Oakfield School 40,000 70,000 
			 4258 St. Dunstan's Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4259 Huish Episcopi School 50,000 82,000 
			 4273 King Arthur's Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4274 Holyrood Community School 50,000 82,000 
			 4277 Dulverton Middle and Community School 30,000 58,000 
			 4282 Whitstone 30,000 58,000 
			 4283 Crispin School 40,000 70,000 
			 4287 Maiden Beech Middle School 30,000 58,000 
			 4288 Swanmead Community School 30,000 58,000 
			 4290 Minehead Middle School 40,000 70,000 
			 4291 The West Somerset Community College 50,000 70,000 
			 4300 The Blake School 30,000 58,000 
			 4304 The King Alfred School 50,000 82,000 
			 4307 East Bridgwater Community School 30,000 70,000 
			 4308 Chilton Trinity School 40,000 70,000 
			 4309 Haygrove School 40,000 70,000 
			 4354 Heathfield Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4355 Kingsmead Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4356 Court Fields Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4358 The Castle School 40,000 70,000 
			 4359 Ladymead Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4410 Fairlands Middle School 30,000 58,000 
			 4450 Stanchester Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4451 Bucklers Mead Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4455 Preston School 40,000 70,000 
			 4504 The Blue School 50,000 82,000 
			 4508 Wadham Church of England VC Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4552 Selwood Anglican/Methodist Middle School 40,000 70,000 
			 4553 Danesfield CofE VC Community Middle School 30,000 58,000 
			 4583 The Kings of Wessex Community School 40,000 70,000 
			 4584 Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School 30,000 58,000 
			 4600 The St. Augustine of Canterbury School 30,000 58,000 
			 5200 Bruton Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 5201 St. John's Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 5202 Charlton Horethorne Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 5203 Enmore Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 5400 Sexey's School 30,000 58,000 
			 5401 Brymore School 30,000 58,000 
			 7003 Elmwood School 15,000 20,000 
			 7006 The Priory School 15,000 20,000 
			 7007 Fairmead School 15,000 28,000 
			 7013 Penrose School 15,000 20,000 
			 7014 Selworthy Special School 15,000 20,000 
			 7016 Fiveways Special School 15,000 20,000 
			 7018 Avalon School 15,000 20,000 
			 7019 Critchill School 15,000 20,000 
			 7020 Bartletts Elm Special School 15,000 20,000

Children in Care

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of children in care (a) continue their education after the age of 16 years and (b) go on to university; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	Statistical information concerning the educational status of young people who have left care in England is not available, although we know anecdotally that very few care leavers go on to higher education. A new statistical collection which will provide information for care leavers aged 19 has recently been introduced by the Department, and the first year of data will cover 12 months ending 31 March 2002. This will identify the percentage of care leavers in education, training or employment. The Department plans to publish this information in autumn 2002.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Ministerial Visits

Tim Collins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many letters to hon. Members were sent by him during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December; and, of these, how many were (a) personally signed by him and (b) signed on his behalf by others.

John Prescott: Throughout my visit, I continued to deal with the work of my Department clearing letters and other business as appropriate.

Ministerial Visits

Tim Collins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what commercial sponsorship was (a) sought and (b) received for his activities during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December.

John Prescott: None.

Ministerial Visits

Tim Collins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what was the total cost incurred by the travelling party during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December;
	(2)  at which hotels and other facilities he stayed during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December;
	(3)  how many officials accompanied him during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December.

John Prescott: Since 1999, this Government have published an annual list of overseas visits undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 or more during each financial year. Details of visits overseas for 2001–02 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year.
	My recent visit overseas was undertaken fully in accordance with the "Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

Ministerial Visits

Tim Collins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what representations he made on behalf of UK companies during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December;
	(2)  on how many days during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December he had fewer than (a) two hours and (b) four hours of official meetings;
	(3)  which (a) Ministers and (b) officials of other Governments he met during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December;
	(4)  which agreements were reached with other Governments during his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December; and if he will publish the full text of each;
	(5)  if he will make a statement on the purposes and results of his official visits overseas between 26 November and 11 December.

John Prescott: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I visited the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Vietnam from 27 November to 11 December. In the United States I had meetings with the UN Secretary General, the Vice-President and Senators. I visited Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Vietnam as a guest of their Governments and met their Prime Ministers, other Ministers and businessmen.
	I discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the global alliance against terrorism; the World Summit on Sustainable Development; and trade and other bilateral issues.

Departmental Sickness Absence

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will commission and publish an independent report on the reasons for the level of sickness absence in his Department.

Christopher Leslie: The Cabinet Office already commissions and publishes an independent annual report "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service". This report includes details of the causes of absenteeism in all Government Departments, and is available at: www.cabinet.office.gov.uk/civilservice/publications/ sickness/index. htm.
	For 2002 the contract for analysis of absence statistics has been awarded to AON Ltd. which will be conducting a thorough review of all the information currently collected and the needs and requirements of all users of the report.
	The Cabinet Office has responsibilities for setting sick absence targets in the civil service as a whole and these are reflected in its Service Delivery Agreement (SDA) as follows:
	a best quartile target of no more than 3.72 medical retirements per 1,000 employees by 2005;
	no more than a civil service average of 7.2 days sick absence per person, per year by 2003 for the Civil Service as a whole.
	The Cabinet Office is also committed to managing the attendance levels of its own employees and has set a target of 6.1 days per person per year by 2003. The medical retirement target is the same as that set for all Government Departments.

Urban Regeneration

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what schemes targeting urban regeneration needs are managed by his Department; how much each scheme has available to invest nationally; what issues each scheme aims to tackle; and how much has been spent annually since 1997 (a) nationally, (b) in Teesside, (c) in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough councils and (d) in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency.

Christopher Leslie: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for the Government Office network which administers schemes of the type referred to on behalf of other Departments. The aims and budgets for such schemes are the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for those Departments.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Correspondence

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will reply to the correspondence from the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Minister for Energy dated 13 June and 14 September relating to help for rural garages to install LPG facilities.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 3 December 2001
	I replied to the right hon. Gentleman on 12 December.

Nuclear Plants (Decommissioning)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the cost to date to public funds of decommissioning of nuclear power plants.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 18 December 2001
	Between 1994–95 and 2000–01 the cost of decommissioning UKAEA's nuclear power plants amounted to £119.3 million. (Expenditure on decommissioning nuclear power plants owned by BNFL has been met from its own resources). Figures for earlier years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Pre-pay Telephones

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent research she has commissioned into the use of pre-payment telephones for offensive anonymous calls; and what plans she has to require registration of pre-pay telephones.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 8 January 2002
	I have not commissioned research into the use of pre-payment mobile phones for offensive anonymous calls, nor do I have plans to require registration of such phones. Registration is easily falsified and compulsory registration would disadvantage many for whom low cost mobile phones are the only affordable form of telecommunications.

Air Traffic Control (Tanzania)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of Tanzania's need for a military air traffic control system; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: The assessment of a country's current or future defence requirements is exempt from disclosure under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Air Traffic Control (Tanzania)

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the proposed BAE military air traffic control system for Tanzania will also be used for civil aviation.

Nigel Griffiths: This is a matter for the end user and the exporter.

Air Traffic Control (Tanzania)

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the World bank regarding the pending sale by BAE Systems to the Government of Tanzania of an air traffic control system.

Nigel Griffiths: The Department of Trade and Industry's Export Control Organisation has received no representation from the World bank regarding the sale of an air traffic control system to the Government of Tanzania.

Minimum Wage

David Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) penalties and (b) cautions have been issued against employers who have not complied with the national minimum wage in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) Scotland.

Alan Johnson: Since the introduction of the national minimum wage in April 1999, national minimum wage compliance officers have issued the following number of penalty and enforcement notices:
	
		
			  Penalty notices Enforcement notices 
		
		
			 UK 90 362 
			 Scotland 24 38 
		
	
	An enforcement notice requires an employer to start paying the national minimum wage and also to make up any past failure to pay the minimum wage. If an employer fails to comply with the enforcement notice, compliance officers can then issue a penalty notice which imposes a financial penalty equal to twice the hourly rate of the main national minimum wage rate (i.e. twice £4.10) per worker affected for every day that the enforcement notice is ignored.

Manufacturing Industry

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on manufacturing industry in the Greater London area.

Alan Johnson: Manufacturing, which accounts for over 10 per cent. of GDP and nearly 300,000 jobs, remains an important part of London's economy. More people work in manufacturing in London than in Birmingham, Manchester or Sheffield. Figures based on the Office for National Statistics figures for 1998, which are the latest available, show performance of manufacturing industry in London, on a gross value added per employee basis, is 123.2 per cent. of the UK average. Manufacturing labour productivity in London is now the highest of the English regions.
	As part of DTI's plans to establish a nationwide Manufacturing Advisory Service, the London Development Agency is taking forward plans to establish a Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence (RCME). The RCME will make available sources of practical help on all manufacturing related expertise and support issues, and act as the focal point for the regional delivery of support services to SME manufacturers.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who initiated the review which led to the increase in BNFL's liabilities announced in her statement to the House on 28 November 2001.

Brian Wilson: BNFL.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total cost of financial settlements made by BNFL was following its acquisition of (a) Sierra Nuclear Corporation, (b) Manufacturing Sciences Corporation and (c) Parajito Scientific Corporation.

Brian Wilson: I understand from the company that there have been no financial settlements other than the original purchase price made by BNFL following the acquisition of these corporations.

Working Time Directive

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on how the Working Time Directive is functioning; and how many prosecutions have been made against employees who are failing to implement it.

Alan Johnson: The Working Time Directive was implemented in Great Britain through the Working Time Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 1833) and the amending regulations of 1999 and 2001 (SI 1999 No. 3372 and SI 2001 No. 3256 respectively). These regulations are functioning effectively in providing workers with entitlements to rest, paid annual leave and working time and night work protections.
	In referring to the number of prosecutions against employees, I take my hon. Friend to mean employers. There are no readily available figures in this respect. However, 1,369 claims received by the Employment Tribunal Service for 2000–01 and 469 investigations completed by the Health and Safety Executive's Working Time Officers since the Regulations came into force, indicates that workers have not been dissuaded from asserting their rights and entitlements.

Employment (Terms and Conditions)

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her policy to (a) provide employees with a direct right to claim compensation from an employer on the grounds that no written statement of his or her employment terms and conditions exists, (b) oblige employers to provide employees with relevant information in disputes over payments or other entitlements, (c) entitle the parties in employment disputes to access to specialist advice through the legal services commission and (d) set up a Fair Employment Commission.

Alan Johnson: Providing employees with a right to compensation where the only issue is the absence of a written statement might encourage speculative claims where no real damage had been suffered. However, the Employment Bill, currently before Parliament, includes a proposal for employment tribunals to increase awards in cases brought under certain jurisdictions where it becomes evident that there was no written statement or that it was defective, and I believe this will do much to encourage compliance.
	Information about the redress available to workers who are in dispute about statutory employment rights, including a range of free booklets on employment rights published by my Department, is widely available from Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service and other sources. My Department has no plans to require employers to provide such information themselves or to set up a Fair Employment Commission.
	The Community Legal Service (CLS), administered by the Legal Services Commission, was launched to improve access to good quality legal and advice services throughout England and Wales, and this incudes access to advice on employment law issues. The CLS Fund provides for advice and assistance in all areas of employment law as well as representation before the Employment Appeal Tribunal, subject to the standard means and merits tests. It does not however provide for representation before Employment Tribunals. The Lord Chancellor will not make any decisions on extending CLS funding to representation at employment tribunal proceedings until the responses to the consultation on Sir Andrew Leggatt's review of tribunals have been fully analysed.

Unfair Dismissal

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to extend the time limit for bringing unfair dismissal claims.

Alan Johnson: The Employment Bill, currently before Parliament, contains powers to extend the time limits within which unfair dismissal and certain other claims need to be made to allow the relevant statutory dispute resolution procedure contained in the Bill to be completed.

Pylons

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the impact of (a) wayleaves and (b) easements in the construction of overhead pylons and the related impact on the price of property; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: I have made no assessment. Compensation for a landowner for the presence of an overhead line is a matter to be settled voluntarily or if there is a dispute to be considered by the Lands Tribunal.

Overhead Transmission Lines

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she has taken to ensure that the NGC respects the legal entry on to farmland in connection with the Lackenby to Shipton overhead transmission line; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 593W.

Telecoms

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the progress that the UK is making in liberalising the telecoms sector.

Douglas Alexander: The UK telecoms market is fully liberalised and competition has developed rapidly in recent years, with the majority of customers having a choice of telecoms operator. The UK has one of the most competitive telecoms markets in the world.

Miners' Pensions

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001, Official Report, column 760W, on miners' pensions, if she will reassess the basis on which the Government's share of the surplus is determined; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: I expect to make an announcement on this matter shortly.

Broadband

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place obligations on telecommunications providers to increase the availability of broadband technologies in rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) sets the minimum service standard for telecommunications in the UK as part of the Universal Service Obligation on BT, taking into account the appropriate European legislation. Oftel have no plans at present to place obligations on telecommunications providers to make broadband services available. Oftel will keep the situation under review.

Consignia

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will reach a decision as to whether Consignia should pay a dividend to Her Majesty's Government for the current financial year.

Douglas Alexander: I would expect the decision to be taken after the end of the current financial year.

WORK AND PENSIONS

State Pension Credit

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the basis was for the statement by Baroness Hollis on 18 December 2001, regarding the proportion of pensioners who will take up their entitlement to the state pension credit; and how many entitled non-recipients are implied by that assessment.

Ian McCartney: We propose to introduce the pension credit from 2003. Details of how this will be done will be announced in due course. We expect the number of successful claimants to build up over time.

Minimum Funding Requirement

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish a summary of the responses to the consultation on the minimum funding requirement; and when he plans to reform the minimum funding requirement.

Ian McCartney: On 7 March 2001 the Government announced proposals to replace the minimum funding requirement (MFR) with a long-term scheme specific standard in the context of a regime of transparency and disclosure, with additional measures to strengthen protection further.
	Implementing these proposals in full will require primary legislation. In the meantime we are working with the pensions industry and other interested parties to develop proposals for legislation as soon as parliamentary time becomes available.
	On 18 September 2001, we published "The Minimum Funding Requirement: The next stage of reform" which set out our plans for the next stage of reform of the MFR, including consultation on draft regulations to introduce interim changes to the current MFR. The consultation period on the draft regulations ended on 10 December, and we are currently considering the responses. We plan to make a summary of the responses publicly available, and introduce the regulations, before April this year.

State Pension (Hospital Stays)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much money was raised in the last financial year as a result of docking state pensions because the recipients were in hospital for more than (a) six weeks and (b) 52 weeks.

Ian McCartney: The rules for the adjustment of benefit for periods in hospital prevent double provision from public funds as the NHS provides free board and lodgings as well as free treatment. So the downrating rules are based on the principle that Social Security maintenance benefits, also paid out of state funds, should not be paid in full indefinitely where a person is in a NHS hospital and having their day to day living expenses met through the NHS.
	These rules, which are laid down in law, have been applied with only minor modifications since the introduction of the national insurance scheme over 50 years ago.
	Reduction in state pension expenditure due to hospital downrating in cash terms is as follows:
	
		£ million (cash terms) 
		
			   Downrating type  
			  6–52 weeks Over 52 weeks Total 
		
		
			 1996–97 22 37 58 
			 1997–98 22 33 55 
			 1998–99 24 32 56 
			 1999–2000 26 30 56 
			 2000–01 28 29 57 
		
	
	Note:
	Rounded to the nearest £ million

Attendance Allowance

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the existing forms of state support for care that preclude any entitlement to attendance allowance; and whether he proposes to make any change in these arrangements.

Ian McCartney: If a person satisfies the conditions of entitlement to attendance allowance it is paid unless that person is being maintained free of charge while receiving NHS treatment as an in-patient in a hospital or similar institution, or is provided with residential accommodation in circumstances where the cost of that accommodation is, or may be, borne wholly or partly out of public funds.
	No changes to these arrangements are proposed.

Disability Living Allowance

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in each of the last five years were entitled to the (a) middle and (b) higher care component of the disability living allowance (i) in the United Kingdom and (ii) in the London borough of Hillingdon.

Ian McCartney: The information is in the table. The Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible for social security matters within Northern Ireland.
	
		Number of DLA awards current in Great Britain and Hillingdon in the past five years
		
			  Middle care  Highest care 
		
		
			 Great Britain   
			 1997 530,100 359,400 
			 1998 564,500 381,900 
			 1999 590,200 391,900 
			 2000 621,600 414,500 
			 2001 670,400 453,600 
			
			 Hillingdon   
			 1997 2,100 1,100 
			 1998 1,900 1,285 
			 1999 1,970 1,315 
			 2000 2,080 1,405 
			 2001 2,180 1,485 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures refer to 31 May, based on 5 per cent. data, and rounded to nearest hundred (figures for Hillingdon from 1998, based on 100 per cent. data and rounded to nearest five).
	Source:
	DWP Information Centre

Disability Living Allowance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disability living allowances have been withdrawn from individuals over the last three years; and how many were re-started after a successful appeal.

Maria Eagle: The information is not available in the form requested.

Disability Living Allowance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for disability living allowances have been received over the last three years; and what was the percentage of successful applications for each year.

Maria Eagle: The information is in the table.
	
		Number of disability living allowance applications received and percentage successful within the last three years
		
			  Applications received Successful applications(13) (percentage) 
		
		
			 January 1999-December 1999 390,920 47.4 
			 January 2000-December 2000 405,830 50.8 
			 January 2001-December 2001 411,990 51.8 
		
	
	(13) Successful applications do not include those which succeed following reconsideration or appeal.
	Source:
	DWP Information Centre: 100 per cent. data rounded

Benefit Fraud

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in how many of the cases of fraud investigated by the Benefits Agency and dealt with by way of caution and administrative penalty since 1997 the person concerned has been previously subject to (a) caution and administrative penalty, (b) caution and administrative penalty within the preceding three years, (c) prosecution leading to conviction and (d) prosecution leading to conviction within the preceding three years.

Malcolm Wicks: The information requested is not available. However, our research suggests that approximately 5 per cent. of prosecutions involve a person with a previous conviction for benefit fraud. We are putting in place mechanisms to identify second and further convictions.

Benefit Fraud

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Sarwar) of 30 November 2001, Official Report, column 1166W, for what reasons the estimated cost of benefit fraud is different from the estimate offered by the Lord Chancellor in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 26 November 2001, Official Report, column 987W.

Malcolm Wicks: Our most recent estimate is that £2 billion is lost annually through benefit fraud in Great Britain. The figure quoted by my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor in the answer to which the hon. Member refers is an estimate of the cost of fraud plus estimates for the cost of work related to fraud incurred by the Department, other Government Departments and local authorities.

Hospital Downrating Rules

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve the means of informing pensioners of their obligations to notify the Pension Service when they have been in hospital for more than six weeks.

Ian McCartney: It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure they notify the Department of all relevant changes of circumstances. However, the introduction of the new Pension Service should make it easier for them to contact us.
	Over time, the Pension Service will provide customers and staff with a wide range of contact channels through improved, modern technology including telephony, digital television and the adoption of internet technology. Call and contact centres will be open longer than current office hours allowing customers to contact the Pension Service when it is convenient for them. For example we expect our pension centres to be open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm.
	The Pension Service will provide a better environment for our face to face services. This will mean Pension Service staff will meet customers in places they frequent such as the local library, age concern or health centres.
	In the future, the replacement of existing computers and the development of new systems that share the same data will mean that customers will not have to repeat the same information and provide the same evidence many times over.

Winter Fuel Payments

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 18 October 2001, Official Report, column 1301W, how many winter fuel payments have been returned to his Department in each year since 1997.

Ian McCartney: Information regarding the number of payments returned in previous years is not available. This year, up to 7 December, 270 payments have been returned.

Savings Interest Rates

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much must a person hold in savings to receive a weekly income of £23, assuming that interest is paid at (a) the bank base rate and (b) 10 per cent.

Ian McCartney: It requires a simple calculation to establish that a person would need savings of £29,900 to receive a weekly income of £23 if interest was paid at 4 per cent. per annum. Similarly savings around £12,000 would generate a weekly income of £23 if interest were paid at 10 per cent. per annum.
	A pensioner with savings at these levels would be excluded from income support now. On the basis of illustrative rates, when pension credit is introduced in October 2003 a single pensioner with a full basic state pension and no other relevant income or capital other than savings of (a) £29,900 and (b) £12,000 would receive (a) £3.80 and (b) £18.20 a week.

Industrial Deafness

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received for industrial deafness to be classified as an industrial disease from (a) the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and (b) other bodies or individuals; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: Sensorineural hearing loss due to noise at work has been on the list of Prescribed Diseases under the Industrial Injuries Scheme since 1974 (Prescribed Disease A10 [Occupational Deafness]). The full terms of the qualifying conditions, both in relation to the severity of the hearing loss and the prescribed occupations are set out in the Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed Diseases) Regulations 1985, Schedule 1.
	In February 1997 the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council announced that it would be undertaking a review of the current schedule of occupational diseases for which benefits are paid. Subsequently, an Occupational Deafness Working Group was set up specifically to review prescribed disease A10 (Occupational Deafness). The council is currently working through all the evidence received and preparing a report to Ministers of its findings.
	From time to time we receive correspondence from various bodies and individuals on the subject which we make available to the council.

Digital Hearing Aids

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to integrate provisions of digital hearing aids through the access to work scheme with NHS digital hearing aid provision; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The Department has no plans to integrate NHS and Access to Work digital hearing aid provision.
	The Access to Work Programme helps disabled people gain, or keep, a job, by providing practical advice and support to disabled people and their employers to overcome specific work-related obstacles which result from disability. Providing funding towards the purchase of a digital hearing aid is one of the ways Access to Work can help. NHS digital hearing aid provision is not limited to work-related needs.
	The Employment Service (ES) has met with the NHS Executive and its purchasing agency to explore how the ES might access NHS Trust contracts with suppliers on assessment for and supply of digital hearing aids.

Employment Zones

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what studies have been recently undertaken of the effectiveness of employment zones; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: A robust and comprehensive evaluation of Employment Zones is currently being undertaken. The evaluation combines qualitative research, a cohort survey and an economic analysis. The qualitative research report is due in spring 2002, and the cohort study and economic analysis reports are due in autumn 2003.
	The performance of Employment Zones is promising. Early indications are that about half of participants find work. We will need to consider the complete evaluation findings before deciding how to take the initiative further.

DEFENCE

International Terrorism

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on spending plans for the money announced in the Chancellor's pre-Budget statement for operations to combat terrorism.

Geoff Hoon: The Government have made an additional £100 million available to the Ministry of Defence for new equipment and immediate operational requirements needed for the campaign against international terrorism.
	This will include equipment to improve our ability to work with the US and other allies; additional secure communications equipment; enhancements to our intelligence capabilities; and a range of small but significant enhancements to our forces for operations in Afghanistan.

International Terrorism

Malcolm Savidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recent discussions with his US counterpart on defence issues relating to the international campaign against terrorism.

Geoff Hoon: I last met the US Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, on 18–19 December during the course of the NATO Defence Ministers' meetings in Brussels. We continue to work closely with the United States in pursuit of our shared objectives in the campaign against international terrorism.

Kosovo

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what analysis he has made of the role of his Department in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.

Adam Ingram: British forces have made a significant contribution to the multi-national effort to build peace and stability in Kosovo. A detailed analysis of the early part of the Kosovo campaign was undertaken from which lessons have been drawn for the future.
	Our forces continue to play a pivotal role in KFOR as lead nation of the MultiNational Brigade (Centre). We continue fully to support the UN Mission in Kosovo in its work to help the people of Kosovo in the reconstruction of their country.

Kosovo

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the land mines clearance programme in Kosovo to be complete.

Adam Ingram: The primary responsibility for the clearance of land mines in Kosovo is that of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Within Kosovo, UNMIK works with non-governmental organisations, national military contingents and the indigenous Kosovo protection corps. British forces are not employed directly in land mine clearance, although KFOR troops continue to provide assistance to the UN when requested, to make areas safe for the return of displaced persons. The Government contribute through the provision of grants, specialist staff and equipment to the UN Mine Action Co-ordination Centre. The UN task is now regarded as largely complete, although there are still two areas west of Prizren, towards the border with Albania, that contain known minefields, where work will continue through 2002.

Kosovo

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British troops are deployed in Kosovo.

Adam Ingram: The UK currently contributes some 3,000 personnel to KFOR operations in Kosovo, though this figure fluctuates as a result of unit rotation and the deployment of differing sizes of battlegroup. The major elements currently deployed are Headquarters 20 Armoured Brigade, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Wales and the Queens' Royal Hussars. The UK are the lead nation in Multi-national Brigade (Centre), where our forces operate primarily with Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Czech troops.

Tanzania

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what input his Department has had in the grant of an export licence for an air traffic control system for Tanzania.

Lewis Moonie: Export licensing decisions are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Ministry of Defence provides advice to the Department of Trade and Industry, together with the other advisory Departments, as appropriate.

Territorial Army

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the role of the Territorial Army.

Lewis Moonie: The strategy for the Army, announced in March last year, identified a number of areas where further study was required to ensure the Army can undertake its role as effectively and efficiently as possible. These studies are on going and include how to maximise the contribution of the reserves in an expeditionary environment. In parallel, work on a new chapter of the Strategic Defence Review, following the 11 September attacks, is exploring the role that the armed forces, including the reserves, have in defending and protecting the United Kingdom.

Recruitment

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the recruitment figures for the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the last six months.

Adam Ingram: The most recent figures show that between 1 April and 1 November 2001, the recruitment figure for the Royal Navy was 2,945, the Army 8,737 and the RAF 2,303.

Recruitment

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for recruitment to the armed services.

Adam Ingram: In the current financial year the armed forces aim to recruit in excess of 24,800 young people. In order to achieve this, all three services are undertaking many initiatives both at national level and at local level. Included among the initiatives are: the use of multi-media advertising campaigns; attendance by services' recruiting teams at schools, youth clubs, careers fairs and graduate recruitment seminars; work experience placements within service establishments; personal development courses and look at life courses for people who express an interest in the armed forces; taster day visits to HM ships and service establishments; a dedicated careers website for each of the services; introduction by the Army of an on-line recruiting office, with plans for this concept to be replicated by the other services; specialist ethnic minority recruiting and diversity action teams aimed at promoting armed forces careers to ethnic minority communities; and a partnership with the Employment Service, making use of its local outlets Jobcentre Plus.

Recruitment

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recruitment and retention in the Army.

Adam Ingram: We remain committed to delivering the military capability required of the Army in the Strategic Defence Review. This will require an increase in its strength from current levels, which we are tackling in a number of different ways. We are focusing on attracting more high quality potential recruits into the training organisations while reducing wastage. Measures introduced already, both regionally and nationally, have helped to hold retention levels steady and reduce the numbers of recruits dropping out of training.

Sierra Leone

Dave Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British armed forces in Sierra Leone.

Geoff Hoon: As was announced on 18 December 2001, it has been decided to maintain the current military presence in Sierra Leone of 360 shore-based personnel over the period of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2002. The military training and assistance programme continues to make good progress towards its goal of developing a professional, accountable and effective Sierra Leone Army, able to protect the security and integrity of Sierra Leone on its own. The International Military Advisory and Training Team in Sierra Leone, which Britain leads and to which we are the major contributors, will continue the task of developing the capacity of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces over the longer term.

Racial Equality

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps the armed forces have taken to promote racial equality within the services.

Adam Ingram: The armed forces have done much in recent years to promote racial equality and create an environment free from harassment and unlawful discrimination. This includes establishing confidential advice and support help lines; a network of equal opportunities advisers; equality training, focus groups and surveys; monitoring and evaluating ethnic minority recruitment, progression and retention; and a vigorous recruiting and outreach programme to encourage more ethnic minorities to join the armed forces.

Homeland Defence

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for increasing the funding of UK homeland defence.

Adam Ingram: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence informed the House on 4 October that the Ministry of Defence would be conducting work designed to ensure that we have the right concepts, forces and capabilities to deal with the kind of asymmetric threat that we saw on 11 September.
	This work is on-going and is addressing, among a wide range of issues, the balance between the contributions that the armed forces make to home defence and countering threats abroad. A key part of this work is exploring the role that the armed forces, including the reserves, have in defending and protecting the United Kingdom. But it should be recognised that the lead for domestic security lies with the civil authorities, and with the police in particular. The armed forces, of course, already provide assistance to the civil authorities in a range of ways.
	We will need to examine fully the overall priorities for tackling terrorism through military and other means including intelligence, diplomacy, humanitarian and aid policies and domestic responses to the threat. Funding issues will be addressed during the spending review, which will conclude in the summer.

Human Rights Act

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the armed forces' (a) discipline and (b) effectiveness.

Adam Ingram: The Armed Forces Discipline Act 2000 introduced certain changes to the discipline system to meet our obligations under the Human Rights Act. These are assessed to have reinforced the authority of the discipline system without impact on operational effectiveness. The discipline and effectiveness of the armed forces continue to be of a high order, as recent operations have amply shown.

Afghanistan

Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British armed forces in Afghanistan.

Geoff Hoon: As I told the House on 19 December and 10 January, the United Kingdom has agreed to lead the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
	Under the terms of the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001, the ISAF will assist the Afghanistan Interim Administration to provide security and stability in Kabul. The ISAF will play a vital part in the international community's support to the Afghan people in the difficult task of rebuilding their country.
	The UK will be lead nation of the ISAF for a limited period of three months. The UK will provide up to 1,800 personnel for the ISAF. In addition and in the short term, we are deploying nearly 300 Army and RAF personnel to help repair and operate Kabul International airport. As of today, we have some 600 troops in Kabul.
	In total, the ISAF will be around 5,000 strong. So far some 1,000 troops have deployed to Kabul. In all, some 17 countries will be deploying troops alongside UK forces as part of the ISAF.

Afghanistan

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of UK forces for the purpose of humanitarian relief in Afghanistan.

Geoff Hoon: UK forces are being deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force. The provision of humanitarian relief is outwith their mission of providing security assistance to the Afghanistan Interim Administration. They will, however, be in a position to identify potential humanitarian reconstruction projects.

Afghanistan

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the forces deployed in Afghanistan have unmodified SA80 rifles; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	As of 11 January, all UK units deployed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force have been re-equipped with modified SA80 rifles.
	The programme of converting units to the modified SA80 is progressing very well. Every effort is being made to ensure that the rate of throughput of modified weapons is sufficient so that all UK service personnel deploying in future to Afghanistan, including engineer and logistic units, will have the upgraded weapon. However, a small number of individual augmentees in logistic and other support functions will not have received modified weapons prior to deployment.

RAF

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the RAF to reach full manning levels.

Adam Ingram: The RAF is in broad manning balance, albeit shortfalls continue to exist in a number of branches and trades. The RAF aims to achieve its Public Service Agreement target of full manning by March 2004.

RAF Fire Services

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met the Transport and General Workers Union to discuss the PPP/PFI plans for RAF fire services.

Adam Ingram: I last met the Transport and General Workers Union to discuss the airfield support services project on 19 September 2001. This project is looking at the viability of a PFI solution for the provision of airfield support services to the Ministry of Defence.

Research

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans to research into scientific, technological and medical issues.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has a wide-ranging scientific and technical research programme supported by a budget of around £450 million per annum. A summary breakdown of the two key elements of the programme—the Applied Research Programme and Corporate Research Programme—is available in MOD's Science and Innovation Strategy, recently published on the MOD's website. This document also describes our policy objectives and approach to research investment. There is also some additional medical research undertaken by the services addressing their specific operational needs.

Armed Forces Family Taskforce

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the armed forces family taskforce.

Adam Ingram: The service families taskforce was set up in 1999 by the Government to deal with service family issues that were outside the control of the Ministry of Defence. It is headed by a ministerial group which last met on 15 November last year. I also meet with representatives of service families twice a year to discuss areas of concern. The service families taskforce has been involved in a wide range of issues since its conception. The main areas of progress over the last year are:
	(a) The MOD is being consulted by the Department of Health in the drafting of new adoption legislation to ensure that service families will not be disadvantaged.
	(b) We have resolved the problems that some service families had encountered, as a result of the payment of local overseas allowance, in claiming working families tax credit on return to the UK from an overseas posting.
	(c) We have resolved the problems that some service spouses had encountered, due to the interpretation of residency status, in claiming Child Support Agency payments when on an overseas posting.
	(d) Discussions are taking place with the Department for Education and Skills, and with local education authorities, to see what measures can be taken to improve the schools admissions process for service families.
	(e) Discussions are taking place with the NHS waiting and booking team on the problems service families face when transferring between NHS trust areas.
	(f) Discussions are taking place with the Department for Work and Pensions to identify any problems service families have faced in the claiming of benefits while on overseas postings.
	(g) Since 1 April 2001 service spouses have been able to open stakeholder pensions while on an overseas posting.

Golden Jubilee

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on military participation in the London celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen's golden jubilee.

Adam Ingram: The armed forces, both regular and volunteer reserves, will make a full contribution to the London celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen's golden jubilee, including participation at the service of thanksgiving which will take place on 4 June 2002. The details are being finalised.

Reserve Forces

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the reserve forces in the continuing campaign against international terrorism.

Lewis Moonie: Since the Call-out Order (16 October 2001, Official Report, column 1132) was signed last October to permit reservists to support the campaign against international terrorism, 74 reservists from all three services have been called out. Reservists have been supporting the operation on other forms of service. We are immensely grateful to all of them. As a further measure to support the current level of operations, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has authorised the compulsory call-out of up to 140 specialist Territorial Army personnel to provide intelligence support to headquarters organisations in the UK and to the UK forces deployed in Afghanistan. This action is fully in accordance with our stated intention as part of the Strategic Defence Review to make our reserve forces more usable, integrated and relevant. We believe that the compulsory call-out will be welcomed by the personnel involved and their employers.

Operation Veritas

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what accommodation is available for air crews deployed on Operation Veritas and based at Muscat; how many (a) aircrew and (b) personnel may be accommodated in one tent (i) on exercise and (ii) on operations; how long each aircrew's shift is; how much sleep each aircrew gets between shifts; if an aircrew on different shifts may be accommodated in the same tent; if accommodation at Muscat accords with Group Air Staff Order GASO 9072; and if crews are accommodated in local hotels (A) at his Department's expense and (B) at their own expense.

Adam Ingram: Aircrews deployed to the region on Operation Veritas are accommodated in two types of air-conditioned tent. On exercises, the normal occupancy of the first type of tent is up to 24 aircrew, on Operation Veritas the number is under 20. The second type of tent, which is slightly smaller, can accommodate up to 14 aircrew on exercises but on Operation Veritas the occupancy is 10 or lower. During unit handovers numbers have been exceeded for short periods.
	Non-aircrew are mainly accommodated in the smaller tents without air conditioning. Where possible non- aircrew on night duty, who need to sleep in the heat of the day, are accommodated in the large air-conditioned tents.
	The length of aircrews' shifts varies according to the type of aircraft and sortie flown. The length of time between shifts can also vary but is not usually less than 10 hours. Aircrew on different shifts may be accommodated in the same tent but silence is enforced around tents when personnel are asleep. Deployed personnel are not accommodated in hotels except for those who have been in theatre for over four months and are entitled to a period of publicly funded rest and recuperation.
	It is recognised that the living conditions for many of our personnel deployed to the middle east on Operation Veritas are challenging but they are in accordance with operational standards for accommodation. UK forces have successfully risen to this challenge and made a major contribution to the Coalition effort over Afghanistan. However, plans are in place to upgrade the living conditions of all RAF personnel on Operation Veritas by March.

Defence Procurement

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department on equipment purchased in (a) the UK, (b) the USA and (c) the rest of the world in each of the last 10 years.

Lewis Moonie: Ministry of Defence equipment expenditure (including VAT and R and D spend) in the last 10 years was:
	
		£ million 
		
			  Year Equipment expenditure at current prices 
		
		
			 1991–92 9,758 
			 1992–93 8,711 
			 1993–94 9,200 
			 1994–95 8,819 
			 1995–96 8,537 
			 1996–97 9,100 
			 1997–98 9,003 
			 1998–99 9,889 
			 1999–2000 9,715 
			 2000–01(14) 10,008 
		
	
	(14) This is the 'latest agreed' estimate
	The breakdown between the UK, the US and the rest of the world is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces Pension Scheme

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will include members of all United Kingdom part-time forces in the armed forces pension scheme.

Adam Ingram: The armed forces pension scheme is an occupational pension scheme providing pension provision for members of the regular armed services. The scheme also provides pensions for members of the reserve forces who serve respectively on full-time or part-time commitments under sections 24 or 25 of the Reserve Forces Act (RFA) 1996.
	The scheme does not provide pensions for members of the volunteer reserve forces serving under sections 22 or 27 of the RFA 1996 or for part-time members of the Royal Irish Regiment. This reflects the ad hoc nature of their service. However, those who are not included in the armed forces pension scheme are contracted-in to the state earnings-related pension scheme (SERPS) and are eligible for pension benefits under that arrangement.
	Benefits are available under the attributable benefits arrangements to members of the volunteer forces or their dependants if they are injured or killed as a result of their service, which are comparable to those of their regular service counterparts.
	Since 8 October 2001, payroll deduction facilities have been available to enable members of the volunteer reserves to make contributions into the armed forces stakeholder pension scheme which was introduced in response to regulations under the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1998 to provide pensions to cover those who are excluded from the AFPS.

Naval Deployments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy ships have been deployed for periods exceeding five months in each of the past four years.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Following is a list of Royal Navy ships which have been deployed for periods exceeding five months in each of the past four years. It is standard practice to deploy ships for six month periods.
	
		
			  Ship  From  To  Reason for deployment Period of deployment (months) 
		
		
			 1998 
			 Invincible 2 September 1997 26 March 1998 USA/Gulf 6 
			 Monmouth 5 September 1997 1 March 1998 Op. Palliser 6 
			 Newcastle 17 November 1997 10 July 1998 Atlantic Patrol Task (north) 8 
			 Coventry 1 January 1998 5 June 1998 Armilla 6 
			 Manchester 12 January 1998 9 July 1998 Standing Naval Force Atlantic 6 
			 Montrose 12 January 1998 6 August 1998 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 7 
			 Cornwall 16 February 1998 14 August 1998 Op. Resilient 6 
			 York 5 March 1998 23 October 1998 Armilla 7 
			 Grafton 14 April 1998 21 December 1998 Armilla 8 
			 Edinburgh 27 April 1998 26 November 1998 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 7 
			 Lancaster 15 June 1998 25 November 1998 Standing Naval Force Atlantic 5 
			 Sheffield 17 June 1998 18 December 1998 Atlantic Patrol Task (north) 6 
			 Sutherland 4 September 1998 26 March 1999 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			 Cumberland 8 September 1998 13 May 1999 Armilla 8 
			  
			 1999 
			 Norfolk 5 January 1999 17 June 1999 Standing Naval Force Atlantic 5 
			 Newcastle 9 January 1999 27 May 1999 Armilla 5 
			 Marlborough 12 January 1999 1 July 1999 Atlantic Patrol Task (north) 6 
			 Iron Duke 15 January 1999 27 July 1999 Standing Naval Force Mediterranean 6 
			 Westminster 26 January 1999 12 July 1999 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			 Glasgow 1 March 1999 11 November 1999 Five Powers Defence Agreement 8 
			 Birmingham 3 May 1999 11 November 1999 Armilla 6 
			 Northumberland 7 June 1999 7 December 1999 Atlantic Patrol Task (North) 6 
			 Exeter 13 September 1999 10 March 2000 Armilla 6 
			 Somerset 13 September 1999 8 March 2000 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			  
			 2000 
			 Campbeltown 7 January 2000 27 July 2000 Standing Naval Force Atlantic 6 
			 Montrose 10 January 2000 28 July 2000 Standing Naval Force Mediterranean 6 
			 Illustrious 15 January 2000 14 June 2000 Gulf 5 
			 Monmouth 18 January 2000 27 July 2000 Armilla 6 
			 Manchester 31 January 2000 21 July 2000 Atlantic Patrol Task (north) 6 
			 Southampton 11 February 2000 18 August 2000 Armilla 6 
			 Newcastle 2 May 2000 23 November 2000 Five Powers Defence Agreement 6 
			 Argyll 8 May 2000 10 November 2000 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			 Marlborough 27 May 2000 3 November 2000 Armilla 6 
			 York 31 August 2000 18 December 2000 Standing Naval Force Mediterranean 5 
			 Iron Duke 16 September 2000 23 February 2001 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 5 
			 Cumberland 18 September 2000 21 March 2001 Armilla 6 
			  
			 2001 
			 Lancaster 22 January 2001 26 July 2001 Armilla 6 
			 Glasgow 5 February 2001 3 August 2001 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			 Sheffield 8 February 2001 9 August Atlantic Patrol Task (north) 6 
			 Gloucester 19 March 2001 19 October 2001 Five Powers Defence Agreement 7 
			 Edinburgh 15 May 2001 16 November 2001 Atlantic Patrol Task (south) 6 
			 Northumberland 4 June 2001 31 December 2001 Armilla 6

Naval Deployments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of Royal Naval personnel are involved in operations.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 10 December 2001, Official Report, columns 531–32W.

Naval Deployments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy ships have been away from their base port in excess of 60 per cent. of the time, averaged over the past two years.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Over the past two years, two ships have been deployed from their home bases for an average of more than 60 per cent. of the time. HMS Triumph, was deployed from her home base at Devonport for an average of 68 per cent. of the time; and HMS Lancaster was deployed from her home base at Portsmouth for an average of 64 per cent. of the time over the past two years.

Ptarmigan System

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement outlining the extent to which the deficiencies in the Ptarmigan communications system impairs the operational effectiveness of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

Adam Ingram: The Ptarmigan system has supported successful operations by the ARRC during recent deployments to Bosnia and Kosovo. However, if advances in modern computing and communications technology are to be fully utilised by our forces, we recognise that Ptarmigan does not offer, in the longer term, the most effective solution. Therefore, plans are in place to replace Ptarmigan through Project Falcon from 2006 onwards. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Dr. Moonie) on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 829W, for evidence of our continuing commitment to maximising the ARRC's operational effectiveness through the full range of modern and robust communications systems.

Export Licences

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 680 approvals have been given each year since 1 May 1997; how many have led to export licence applications; and how many such licences have been approved.

Lewis Moonie: The F680 process is an informal process under which companies can obtain advice on the prospects for approval of exports at the marketing stage. The F680 also gives formal clearance for release of classified information, where required, for marketing purposes. The number of clearances for each of the years for which data are held, is as follows:
	
		
			 Year F680s cleared 
		
		
			 1999 1,736 
			 2000 1,847 
			 2001 2,042 
		
	
	It is not possible to correlate data about F680 clearances with data relating to the export licensing process since the processes are quite separate. For example, F680s may be seeking advice in general terms about marketing prospects which may relate partially to the export that is eventually licensed. It is routinely made clear to exporters that advice in response to F680 applications does not prejudge a decision on the eventual consideration of an export licence application.

RAF Deployments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of personnel have exceeded 140 nights away from home, in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available, in (a) 33 Squadron, (b) 10 Squadron, (c) 101 Squadron, (d) 24 Squadron, (e) 30 Squadron, (f) 47 Squadron, (g) 70 Squadron, (h) 7 Squadron, (i) 18 Squadron and (j) 27 Squadron.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The RAF Separated Service Recording System records periods of absence of three days or more. The table shows the percentage of RAF personnel on each squadron who have exceeded 140 days away from home on separated service in the 12-month period ending 30 September 2001.
	
		Percentage of trained strength spending more than 140 days away from home
		
			 Squadron Operational/routine tasks All reasons(15) 
		
		
			 33 4.4 14.9 
			 10 1.6 7.6 
			 101 1.8 11.3 
			 24 0 0 
			 30 0.9 0.9 
			 47 3.8 3.8 
			 70 1.8 1.8 
			 7 1.6 5.9 
			 18 2.5 6.8 
			 27 1.4 5.1 
		
	
	(15) Includes absences due to normal career development training, resettlement and expedition training, sport and permanent detachments from parent unit.
	RAF commitments are regularly reviewed and adjusted as soon as circumstances allow. Operational deployments continue only for as long as is necessary to meet agreed objectives.

Defence Contracts

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contractual safeguards are in place in the event of a company winning a Ministry of Defence contract going bankrupt; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: In the event of various circumstances of insolvency or bankruptcy such as the appointment of an administrative receiver, or a receiver, or a company being wound up, the Ministry of Defence has the right to terminate the contract without recompense to the contractor. This is achieved by the terms of DEFCON 515 (Bankruptcy and Insolvency) which is included in all MOD headquarters contracts. The most effective means of dealing with this issue is to have a system that reduces the risk of placing contracts with suppliers of limited financial capability. The MOD employs such a system, but that risk cannot be entirely eliminated.

Territorial Reserve

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to change the status of the territorial reserve to that of a UK national guard.

Lewis Moonie: As part of the work we are currently conducting on a new chapter to the Strategic Defence Review, we are examining the role that the armed forces, including the reserves, have in defending and protecting the United Kingdom. As a result of this work we may conclude that there should be a greater or changed role for the reserves in security of the United Kingdom. If this is the case, we will want to consult the reserves and their employers.

Agency Costs

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent in the last four complete financial years with agencies supplying (a) IT, (b) accounting and (c) finance personnel on a contractual basis; and how many (i) such contracts and (ii) man years this represents.

Lewis Moonie: This information is not held centrally in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, much of the information sought is available in the Ministry of Defence's annual returns of expenditure on External Assistance, which includes the categories of Finance and Accounting, and Information and Control Systems. Copies are available in the Library of the House, covering the period 1995–96 to 1999–2000.

BAE Systems (Tanzania Contract)

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance the Government have offered BAE Systems to secure a contract in Tanzania to supply an air traffic control system.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence, primarily through the Defence Export Services Organisation, is responsible for co-ordinating Government support for legitimate defence exports. In carrying out these responsibilities, assistance is available to defence equipment exporters in support of overseas marketing campaigns. It is, however, not our policy to provide details of individual campaigns for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Beacon Project

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the status of the proposed beacon project linking NHS hospital trusts and TA field hospitals.

Lewis Moonie: As the hon. Member may be aware, TA field hospitals have had informal relationships with local NHS trusts for many years. The beacon project aims to formalise these relationships and develop mutually beneficial initiatives offering personal development, leadership training and professional development to NHS trust members and also to increase TA recruitment. A pilot project has been approved by my Department and the Department of Health and links Preston Acute Hospital National Health Trust and Chorley and South Ribble Health Trust with 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital (Volunteers). This project has held five meetings to date.

Service Personnel

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision has been made for armed forces personnel on active service abroad this Christmas.

Adam Ingram: The majority of service personnel on operational deployments overseas this Christmas were in receipt of the standard operational welfare package (OWP), which includes 20 minutes of publicly funded telephone calls per week, free forces aerogrammes, concessionary mail and parcel rates, access to the internet and e-mail, newspapers and book packs, BFBS TV and radio, televisions, video recorders and video tapes, Expeditionary Forces Institute shops and publicly funded laundry.
	In addition all personnel deployed over the Christmas week and in receipt of the OWP were granted an additional 20 minutes of publicly funded telephone time. Tesco donated Christmas parcels for all deployed personnel, Clinton Cards provided free Christmas cards for service personnel to send to their families and friends and most locations received an additional distribution of paperback books.

C130 Hercules

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) C130Ks and (b) C130Js are suitable for deployment to Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

RAF Bases

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to close a runway at RAF Lyneham.

Adam Ingram: The hon. Member is aware that a study has been commissioned as part of the Ministry of Defence's normal planning process, to consider the future roles of RAF Lyneham, RAF Brize Norton and RAF St. Mawgan. The study will examine the most cost- effective way to base the Air Transport Fleet, taking account of the competition for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. It will explore opportunities for the exploitation of spare capacity at the three stations in the light of decisions about the above aircraft types. This will involve consideration of all aspects of the operations of each station. The study will report in the summer and I will inform the House of the details of its conclusions.

Tour Intervals

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the tour intervals were for the (a) Royal Armoured Corps, (b) Royal Artillery, (c) Royal Engineers, (d) Royal Signals and (e) Parachute Regiment in the last year for which figures are available.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The tour intervals for the corps in question during the year April 2000 to March 2001, the most recently available information, are set out in the table:
	
		Tour intervals in 2000–01 -- Months
		
			 Arm Length of interval 
		
		
			 Royal Armoured Corps 26 
			 Royal Artillery 42 
			 Royal Engineers 34 
			 Royal Signals 24 
			 Parachute Regiment 18(16) 
		
	
	(16) Tour intervals are calculated on the basis of deployments of six months or more. During the period Parachute Regiment elements were also deployed to Macedonia but as this was for three months it has not been included.

Army Deployments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of (a) the Army and (b) Land Command is (i) committed and (ii) warned to deploy for operations.

Adam Ingram: 27 per cent. of the Army is committed to operations with 2 per cent. warned for deployment to Afghanistan. 38 per cent. of Land Command is committed to operations with 3 per cent. warned for deployment to Afghanistan.

Naval Accident

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the inquiry into the loss of Royal Navy Merlin EH101 ZH844, at Rassay on 27 October 2001 has been completed; and if he will publish the results.

Lewis Moonie: The report on the internal investigation into the loss of Royal Navy Merlin ZH844 has been completed, and its findings are currently being studied by the staff of the Commodore Naval Aviation. Once this study is complete, a Military Aircraft Accident Summary will be produced and a copy placed in the Library of the House.

Royal Fleet Auxiliaries

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what primary casualty receiving facilities have been provided on each of the Fort class RFAs; how many beds are provided; and what medical personnel serve on these ships.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 11 January 2002
	All Fort class Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships carry primary health care medical personnel, who would usually consist of a civilian Medical Officer and/or a Medical Assistant. RFA Fort George was fitted with a surgical capability during 2001 and has 12 beds. The primary health care medical personnel would be augmented, when necessary, by a surgical team and supporting medical and nursing personnel. RFA Fort Victoria is due to be fitted with the same surgical capability during 2002.

Translation Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what translation services he ensures are available for health trusts in (a) England and (b) Staffordshire.

John Hutton: The NHS Plan sets NHS a target of having a free and nationally available translation service available from all national health service premises via NHS Direct by 2003. These services will be a pivotal building block in achieving the patient-centred services envisioned in the NHS Plan and the targets set in the various National Service Frameworks.
	We do not keep data centrally about services in Staffordshire.

Health Authority Expenditure

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the latest forecast figures for underspending or overspending for the present financial year that have been submitted by each health authority in the south-east of England to the NHS South East Regional Office.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 29 November 2001
	The latest (as at 31 October 2001) reported forecast year end over and underspends for health authorities in the south-east region are in the table.
	
		£000 
		
			  Forecast outturn 2001–02 
		
		
			 Berkshire 0 
			 Buckinghamshire -212 
			 East Kent 0 
			 East Surrey -2,100 
			 East Sussex 0 
			 Isle of Wight/Portsmouth/South East Hampshire -450 
			 North and Mid Hampshire -1,138 
			 Northamptonshire 0 
			 Oxfordshire 0 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire -269 
			 West Kent 0 
			 West Surrey -3,316 
			 West Sussex 0 
			  
			 Overall total -7,485 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The minus figures detailed indicate an overspending.
	2. '0' indicates a break even position.
	Within the south-east region seven out of the 13 health authorities are projecting a balanced year end position while the remaining six have a projected aggregate overspend of £7.5 million. These overspends range from £212,000 to £3.3 million.
	The South East Regional Office is continuing to work with these six health authorities to identify what action will be necessary for them to achieve operational financial balance by the end of the financial year.

Orthopaedic Operations

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of patients who see an orthopaedic surgeon went on to have an operation in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Jacqui Smith: Patients who attend national health service trauma and orthopaedic out-patient clinics are treated in a range of ways, such as non-surgical treatment, physiotherapy, drug treatment and receive advice on lifestyle changes. A significant number of these patients will not need hospital admission. In 2000–01 there were:
	1,724,943 new patients treated in trauma and orthopaedic clinics;
	661,430 consultant episodes of trauma and orthopaedic care where surgery was performed. This figure does not equate to the number of patients as some may be operated on on more than one occasion during the year.

Mrs. Vyan Gresty

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the care of Mrs. Vyan Gresty by Harrow and Hillingdon Healthcare Trust.

John Hutton: We are not aware of any representations relating to the care of this patient.

Lou Gehrig's Disease

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom by nation and region, are diagnosed as having Lou Gehrig's disease; and what percentage of these are veterans of the Gulf War in the last year for which figures are available.

Jacqui Smith: Lou Gehrig's disease is classified as motor neurone disease (MND) in this country and there are between 5,000 and 6,000 sufferers of MND in the United Kingdom. Worldwide, the annual incidence of MND is estimated to be 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people. To date, the Ministry of Defence is aware of five veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict who have been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, one of whom died in 1992. The table shows the hospital admission figures for motor neurone disease in 2000–01.
	
		Admissions for motor neurone disease by region of residence, -- NHS hospitals, England 2000–01
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Regional office  
			 Northern and Yorkshire 396 
			 Trent 330 
			 West Midlands 169 
			 North West 320 
			 Eastern 347 
			 London 269 
			 South East 359 
			 South West 259 
			   
			 England (NOS) 1 
			 Scotland 2 
			 Wales 16 
			 Foreign 6 
			 Not known 4 
			  
			 Total 2,514

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the membership of (a) the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and (b) its sub groups.

Yvette Cooper: Membership of the committee, its subgroups and working groups, is shown in the table. Papers relating to the committee and its groups are available through the committee's website www.sacn.gov.uk.
	
		Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)
		
			 Main committee members  
		
		
			 Chair  
			 Professor Alan Jackson Professor of Human Nutrition, Southampton University 
			   
			 Members  
			 Professor Peter Aggett (OBE) Head of School, Lancashire Postgraduate School of Medicine and Health, Professor of Child Health and Nutrition, University of Lancashire 
			 Professor Annie Anderson Research Professor of Food Choice at the Centre for Public Health Nutrition Research, University of Dundee 
			 Professor Sheila Bingham Deputy Director of the Medical Research Council's Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Cambridge 
			 Professor John Cummings Clinical Scientist at Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Dundee 
			 Ms Gillian Fine Company Nutritionist at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd. 
			 Ms Paulette Jones Senior Mentoring Development Officer, Divert Trust, London 
			 Dr. Tim Key Reader in Epidemiology at the University of Oxford, works at ICRF Cancer Epidemiology Unit in the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford 
			 Professor Peter Kopelmann Professor of Clinical Medicine, Assistant Warden (Education), Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London 
			 Dr. Ann Prentice Director, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge 
			 Professor Andrew Rugg-Gunn University Clinical Professor, Newcastle University Dental School 
			 Dr. Anita Thomas Practising Consultant Physician in general (internal) and geriatric medicine, Derriford hospital, Plymouth 
			 Mrs. Stella Walsh Senior Lecturer Leeds Metropolitan University, National Federation of Consumer Groups 
			 Dr. Anthony Williams Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Neonatal Paediatrics, St. George's hospital, London 
			 Professor Christine Williams Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Reading 
			   
			 Working Group on Iron  
			 Chair  
			 Professor Peter Aggett Professor of Child Health and Nutrition, Head of School, Lancashire Postgraduate School of Medicine and Health. Member of SACN 
			 Vice Chairman  
			 Dr. Ann Prentice Director, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge. Member of SACN 
			   
			 International Observer  
			 Dr. Bruno de Benoist Senior Adviser, Micronutrients, Department of Nutrition for Health and Development. World Health Organisation 
			   
			 Members  
			 Dr. Philip Calder Fetal Origins of Adult Disease Division, University of Southampton, School of Medicine 
			 Professor Sue Fairweather-Tait Head of Nutrition and Consumer Science Division, Institute of Food Research 
			 Professor Sally Grantham-McGregor Centre for International Child Health, Institute of Child Health 
			 Ms Paulette Jones Senior Mentoring Development Officer, Divert Trust. Lay Member of SACN 
			 Dr. Tim Key ICRF Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary Oxford. Member of SACN  
			 Professor Joe Lunec Director of Chemical Pathology, Leicester University 
			 Professor Martin Pippard Professor of Haematology, University of Dundee Medical School 
			 Professor Mark Worwood Department of Haematology, University of Wales Hospital 
			   
			 Subgroup on Risk  
			 Professor John Cummings (Chair) SACN Member 
			 Professor Christine Williams SACN Member 
			 Dr. Tim Key SACN Member 
			   
			 Subgroup on Salt  
			 Professor Alan Jackson (Chair) SACN Member 
			 Professor Peter Aggett SACN Member 
			 Professor Sheila Bingham SACN Member 
			 Gill Fine SACN Member

Food Standards Agency

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what scientific evidence the Food Standards Agency based its statement on dietary salt and its effect on human health contained in its announcement on salt in bread on 29 November; and for what reason the statement was made by FSA before the salt review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition had been completed.

Yvette Cooper: I am advised that the statement was based on the finding of the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy, as recently endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer in his annual report for 2001, as well as the large body of scientific evidence on the issues. The statement is without prejudice to the work that the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition currently has in hand on salt.

Health Expenditure

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate health spending per head of population by health authority for 2002.

John Hutton: Health authority allocations for 2002–03 per weighted head of population for each health authority in England are shown in the table:
	
		£ 
		
			 Health authority (17)2002–03  
		
		
			 Avon 809 
			 Barking and Havering 814 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 798 
			 Barnsley 808 
			 Bedfordshire 775 
			 Berkshire 776 
			 Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 858 
			 Birmingham 821 
			 Bradford 809 
			 Brent and Harrow 843 
			 Buckinghamshire 784 
			 Bury and Rochdale 817 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 809 
			 Cambridgeshire 791 
			 Camden and Islington 867 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 829 
			 County Durham 804 
			 Coventry 809 
			 Croydon 797 
			 Doncaster 826 
			 Dorset 832 
			 Dudley 813 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 817 
			 East Kent 834 
			 East Lancashire 824 
			 East London and the City 794 
			 East Riding 828 
			 East Surrey 846 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 829 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 823 
			 Gloucestershire 834 
			 Herefordshire 814 
			 Hertfordshire 815 
			 Hillingdon 824 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire 824 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 757 
			 Kingston and Richmond 810 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 852 
			 Leeds 832 
			 Leicestershire 789 
			 Lincolnshire 811 
			 Liverpool 846 
			 Manchester 842 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 827 
			 Morecambe Bay 851 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 834 
			 Norfolk 808 
			 North and East Devon 821 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 807 
			 North Cheshire 839 
			 North Cumbria 820 
			 North Derbyshire 823 
			 North Essex 797 
			 North Nottinghamshire 814 
			 North Staffordshire 815 
			 North West Lancashire 832 
			 North Yorkshire 802 
			 Northamptonshire 807 
			 Northumberland 821 
			 Nottingham 806 
			 Oxfordshire 788 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 843 
			 Rotherham 822 
			 Salford and Trafford 839 
			 Sandwell 820 
			 Sefton 861 
			 Sheffield 838 
			 Shropshire 803 
			 Solihull 817 
			 Somerset 813 
			 South and West Devon 830 
			 South Cheshire 830 
			 South Derbyshire 797 
			 South Essex 789 
			 South Humber 839 
			 South Lancashire 829 
			 South Staffordshire 804 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire 807 
			 St. Helen's and Knowsley 822 
			 Stockport 812 
			 Suffolk 814 
			 Sunderland 833 
			 Tees 808 
			 Wakefield 818 
			 Walsall 808 
			 Warwickshire 820 
			 West Kent 817 
			 West Pennine 809 
			 West Surrey 839 
			 West Sussex 821 
			 Wigan and Bolton 799 
			 Wiltshire 812 
			 Wirral 853 
			 Wolverhampton 814 
			 Worcestershire 810 
			   
			 England Total 817 
		
	
	(17) Allocation per weighted head of population

Headaches

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the term headaches was not included in the National Service Framework on long-term neurological conditions.

Jacqui Smith: Ministers have not yet made any decisions about the scope and content of this National Service Framework other than outlining that it will draw out some of the common issues faced by people with a long-term condition. It will also pay particular attention to specific neurological diseases.

Foster Care

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on 
	(1)  what his estimate is of the cost of bringing up a child in foster care in the age groups (a) up to four, (b) five to seven, (c) eight to 13 and (d) 14 to 18 years;
	(2)  the nationwide variation of expenses given to foster carers; and what plans he has to introduce a uniformed national level of payments.

Jacqui Smith: Each local authority determines and pays its own rate of allowance and many provide enhanced allowances to provide for those children with special needs or where recruitment of carers might be a problem locally.
	There are many contributing factors which might affect the rates of allowance payable—for instance, the number of looked after children the local authority is caring for, the available pool of foster carers and whether special skills are needed by the foster carer to look after a particular child. It is therefore right, we believe, that each local authority determines and pays its own rate of allowance, taking into account the circumstances that exist locally.

Foster Care

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the status of the Fostering Network's UK national standards for foster care in relation to the national minimum standards.

Jacqui Smith: The United Kingdom National Standards for Foster Care provide a framework for the provision of high quality foster care for children and young people throughout the UK. Their scope is much wider than the new National Minimum Standards. Although without a statutory basis, the UK National Standards will remain in place and work alongside the National Minimum Standards as good practice for fostering service providers.
	The National Minimum Standards underpin the new Fostering Services Regulations, which come into force in April 2002. These have a statutory basis and will ensure that a minimum level of care is provided throughout the sector. They are not intended to be aspirational or references to best practice, but represent a core level of welfare provision that no establishment should fall below.

Food Hygiene

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken to improve food hygiene in meat- selling shops in the past five years.

Yvette Cooper: The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 930) were introduced in England in response to the recommendation in the Pennington report for the licensing of retail butchers' shops. These regulations, which came into force on 1 May 2000, require retail butchers and other retail outlets selling both unwrapped raw meat and ready to eat food to obtain an annual licence from their local food authority. Businesses must satisfy certain hygiene conditions before a licence can be issued, including compliance with existing food hygiene legislation, the operation of effective food safety management controls based on the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system (HACCP) and appropriate food hygiene training for food handling and supervisory staff. Similarly oriented legislation has also been put in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
	We have also made £4.5 million available to fund a free training and support initiative to help retail butchers in England introduce effective HACCP food safety management controls in their shops prior to the introduction of the licensing regulations. Approximately 7,500 butchers in England received help through this initiative which ran from 1998 to 2000. Funding was also made available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to assist butchers in implementing the new requirements over a similar time period.

National Healthy School Standard

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of financial support has been given to the National Healthy School Standard.

Yvette Cooper: In 2001–02 the Department has provided central support to the National Healthy School Standard of £5.8 million and the Department for Education and Skills has provided £2 million.

Osteoporosis

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the publication date is of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy's report on the role of diet in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Yvette Cooper: The Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) published a report on "Nutrition and Bone Health" in 1998. The report made a number of recommendations including that
	"a healthy lifestyle to maintain bone health should be encouraged at all ages". To complement the report the Health Education Authority produced a fact sheet, "Nutrition and Bone Health", summing up the COMA recommendations in a user- friendly format.
	COMA has been replaced by a new Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) which held its first meeting in June 2001. SACN is a committee of independent experts which will advise Government, via the Chief Medical Officers and the Food Standards Agency (FSA), on matters relating to nutrition, diet and health. Osteoporosis is not a named area of work within the Committee's current work programme. Information about the work of SACN can be obtained from the Committee's website www.sacn.gov.uk.

Blood Donors

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many individual blood donors there were in each of the last five years.

Yvette Cooper: Figures received from the National Blood Service show that the number of individual blood donors for the last five years (based on mid year averages) are:
	
		Million 
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2001 1.828 
			 2000 1.893 
			 1999 1.839 
			 1998 1.906 
			 1997 1.981

Chief Medical Officer (Annual Report)

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the decision was taken to publish a shortened version of the Chief Medical Officer's annual report.

Yvette Cooper: The length and content of the Chief Medical Officer's annual report is a matter for the Chief Medical Officer of the day. The present Chief Medical Officer considered the length and format of the previous reports after taking up post in the autumn of 1998. He also reviewed the range of publications produced under the auspices of the Chief Medical Officer. He decided that the previous format which included detailed accounts of the Government's policies in relation to health and health care were now well covered in other publications and Government websites. With this is mind he decided to focus the report on a number of specific topics of importance to the public health. He began working personally on this new report in the spring of 2001 and it was published on 10 December 2001.

Nutrition

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the proportion of patients who are undernourished in the NHS.

Yvette Cooper: For the wider community, Government surveys such as the National Diet and Nutrition Surveys and the Health Survey for England provide data on the prevalence of over and under nutrition for children and adults and by age and region.
	Statistics are available for the number of episodes of hospital in-patient care with a primary diagnosis relating to malnutrition. The incidence of reported cases of malnutrition is rare (there were a total of 252 cases in 2000–01) but tends to increase with age.
	In the NHS Plan, we made a commitment to reduce under-nutrition by developing a hospital nutrition policy to improve the outcome of care of patients by 2004. A number of strategies are in place to manage, monitor and screen patients for under-nutrition in hospitals, residential care and the wider community. Nutritional screening is recommended for the care of specific groups, such as those outlined in the "National Service Framework for Older People".

Websites

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost is of (a) establishing and (b) maintaining the (i) Galaxy H, (ii) Welltown, (iii) Wired for Health, (iv) Mind Body Soul and (v) LifeBytes websites; and how many hits there were in the last year in each case.

Yvette Cooper: The "Wired for Health" websites were set up progressively by the Health Development Agency between April 1998 and February 2001. The separate costs of each of the sites have not been recorded in the form requested.
	The total project costs were as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year £000 
		
		
			 1998–99 108 
			 1999–2000 207 
			 2000–01 266 
			 April 2001-November 2001 96 
		
	
	
		
			 Website Number of hits 
		
		
			 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001  
			 Wired for Health 2,398,642 
			 Mind, Body and Soul 3,805,962 
			 LifeBytes 1,577,085 
			   
			 1 March 2001 to 30 November 2001(18)  
			 Galaxy-H 3,640,195 
			 Welltown 3,065,236 
		
	
	(18) the Galaxy-Hon. and Welltown sites were launched in February 2001

Nursing Posts

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time and whole-time equivalent nursing posts (a) are vacant and (b) have been vacant for over three months in each region in the UK.

John Hutton: Results from the 2001 national health service vacancy survey can be found on the internet at www.doh.gov.uk/public/vacancysurvey.htm.
	We collect only whole-time equivalent data for three month vacancies in England.
	Matters relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for the devolved Administrations.
	
		Department of Health vacancy survey March 2001 three month vacancies for qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors—by region in England
		
			  Whole time equivalents 
		
		
			 England 9,000 
			   
			 Northern and Yorkshire 760 
			 Trent 410 
			 West Midlands 810 
			 North West 940 
			 Eastern 720 
			 London 2,960 
			 South East 1,750 
			 South West 560 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Three month vacancies are vacancies as at 31 March 2001 which trusts are actively trying to fill, which had lasted for three months or more (whole time equivalents).
	2. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. England totals include staff from Special Health Authorities.
	4. Totals may not equal sum of component parts due to rounding.
	Source:
	Department of Health Vacancies Survey 2001

Health Expenditure, Wigan and Bolton

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual (a) percentage and (b) cash increases in the funding for the Wigan and Bolton health authority have been since the general election in 1997; and what moneys have been received by the Royal Bolton Hospital in addition to their health authority allocations during the same period.

John Hutton: The annual percentage and cash increases in funding received by the Wigan and Bolton health authority are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Wigan and Bolton HA North West 
			 Year Percentage increases Cash increases £000 Percentage increases 
		
		
			 1997–98 4.62 11,928 4.1 
			 1998–99 5.41 14,021 4.84 
			 1999–2000 7.18 24,996 6.52 
			 2000–01 6.78 25,414 6.18 
			 2001–02 9.10 37,252 8.91 
			 2002–03 10.17 45,361 9.70 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures shown are 'headline' opening allocation increases each year
	The funding received by the Bolton Hospitals National Health Service Trust from 1997–98 to 2001–02 is as follows:
	
		
			  Increase 
			  (£ million) (Percentage) 
		
		
			 Wigan and Bolton health authority 30.5 38.22 
			 All other income 5.7 57.03 
			  
			 Total 36.2 40.31 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The contract value with the Wigan and Bolton health authority in any one year may be subject to some (relatively minor) distortion to the extent that as a host some income increases/decreases for the Trust are arbitrarily channelled through the health authority.
	2. The Trust has highlighted one material technical item in 1999–2000.
	3. The question refers to moneys received. The term allocation is not appropriate in this context. The income flowing from the HA to the Trust each year is subject to annual discussion with a financial value being agreed as part of the Service and Financial Framework.

Mental Health (Prisoners)

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if prisoners receive a mental health assessment upon arrival in prison.

Jacqui Smith: All prisoners' physical and mental health care needs are assessed when they are first received into prison custody. The Prison Service recognises that current reception screening arrangements can fail to identify prisoners who have serious mental health problems. A more effective health screening tool for identifying serious mental health problems on first reception into prison is being developed and implemented as part of the Prison Health Policy Unit/Task Force's current work programme.

Orthopaedic Consultants

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of orthopaedic consultants working within the NHS.

John Hutton: As at 30 September 2000, there were 1,200 consultants working within the orthopaedic and trauma specialty in England.
	Our projections show that by September 2004, there will be around 250 extra trained specialists available to take up consultant posts in this speciality.

Orthopaedic Consultants

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting time is for a first appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant at (a) St. George's Hospital, (b) Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, (c) Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital and (d) Epsom and St. Helier's Hospital NHS trusts.

John Hutton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Hospital Number(19) 
		
		
			 St. George's 416 
			 Chelsea and Westminster 126 
			 Guys and St. Thomas' 1,229 
			 Epsom and St. Helier 396 
		
	
	(19) Number of patients with a written referral from a general practitioner who had not yet attended for a first outpatient appointment in trauma and orthopaedics by end of September 2001 who had been waiting 13 weeks and over.

Adoption

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he received before publication of the Adoption and Children Bill from birth relatives who experienced distress at having their identifying details passed on to adopted persons.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 8 January 2002
	Departmental officials have received expressions of concern from some interested stakeholder organisations about the possibility of birth relatives being caused distress as a result of identifying details being passed on to adopted persons. As acknowledged by officials when giving oral evidence to the Adoption and Children Bill Special Standing Committee on 20 November 2001, this is only likely to concern a small minority of cases.

Protection of Children Act List

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the individual checks made against the Protection of Children Act list since it came into force have identified listed individuals applying for work with children.

Jacqui Smith: Of the 972,000 checks made against the Protection of Children Act list since October 2000, some 36 have been made against individuals who are included on the list.

Overseas Treatment

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to establish which overseas healthcare providers can provide high standards of care and good value for money in treating NHS patients.

John Hutton: The Department plans a competitive tendering process which will require overseas providers who wish to provide hospital services to the national health service to demonstrate that they can provide a high quality service at competitive prices. Decisions about the appropriate providers will take into account both paper evidence and visits by managers and clinicians: these service requirements will be underpinned by robust contractual arrangements.
	The tender process will draw on the experience of the three test bed sites who are piloting processes for sending NHS patients abroad for treatment.

Overseas Treatment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from private sector health organisations against (a) the Government sending patients abroad for NHS funded treatment and (b) allowing healthcare companies or staff from abroad to operate in NHS hospitals.

John Hutton: holding answer 9 January 2002
	We have not received any such representations from private sector health organisations.

Overseas Treatment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the first NHS patients to go abroad for treatment, funded by the NHS.

John Hutton: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The test bed sites in south-east England who are piloting processes for sending national health service patients overseas for treatment are in contractual negotiations with several overseas providers. Subject to satisfactory resolution of those negotiations we expect the first NHS-funded patients to travel abroad for treatment before the end of January.

Ward Housekeeper Scheme

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money his Department allocated for (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003, to monitor the effectiveness and value for money of the ward housekeeper scheme.

John Hutton: No additional funds have been allocated to national health service trusts specifically to monitor aspects of the ward housekeeping scheme.
	Trusts that receive one-off funding to introduce and develop housekeeping services must place review and evaluation processes in place as part of their project management of housekeeping services.
	Patient satisfaction with housekeeping services will be captured by the National Health Service Estates national questionnaire.

Ward Housekeeper Scheme

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how his Department will monitor the effectiveness and value for money of the ward housekeeper scheme.

John Hutton: The housekeeping guide, "A first guide to new, modern and dependable ward housekeeping services in the NHS", includes a framework for the establishment of housekeeping services within trusts. The framework states that the trust should set up a review process that will evaluate the housekeeping service and establish a continuing quality improvement process.
	A trial questionnaire devised to capture patients satisfaction with ward housekeeping services is to be piloted in six trusts within the new few months. The results and conclusions will be shared with relevant trust patient forums and committees. It is planned to include the resulting agreed questions in the National Health Service Estates national questionnaire for future years.
	The NHS Estates national questionnaire gathers information from patients about their experience within the NHS. These results in turn will help to support the findings of clinical governance and clinical care outcomes.

Ward Housekeeper Scheme

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money his Department has allocated to (a) implement and (b) run the ward housekeeper scheme in (i) 2000, and (ii) 2001; and what his projected expenditure is on the programme for the next three years.

John Hutton: To support the introduction of ward housekeeping set out in the NHS Plan, national health service hospital trusts will each receive a one-off payment of £50,000 for project management costs to help them introduce and develop ward housekeeping. Trusts will decide at local level how best to fund housekeeping services in future years.
	To date, over £10 million has been distributed to trusts:
	(i) 72 trusts received payments in December 2000
	(ii) 140 trusts received payments in October 2001.
	Remaining trusts will be allocated funding as they develop robust action plans for the introduction of ward housekeepers.

Radiographers

Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the number of radiographers working in the NHS.

John Hutton: We are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention of all staff, including radiographers. Examples include an increase in pay, encouraging the national health service to become a better employer through the "Improving Working Lives and Positively Diverse" programmes, increasing training commissions, reducing student attrition, running national and local recruitment and return to practice campaigns, and supporting international recruitment where appropriate. Further information on Improving Working Lives is available at www.doh.gov.uk/iwl.
	The Department has been working very closely with the Society of Radiographers to implement these measures. Initiatives include a letter sent to former radiographers inviting them to consider returning to the NHS, radiography awareness weeks and conferences to share good practice.

Waiting Lists

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the suspension from hospital waiting lists of patients who are prepared to consent to suspension in order to be treated by a named consultant.

John Hutton: holding answer 9 January 2002
	Patients who consent to be treated by a named consultant other than by the consultant they were originally referred to should not be suspended from the waiting list.
	Except where the change of consultant involves moving to a different trust, patients should continue to remain on the active list and should be treated within the maximum waiting time applicable at the time. Patients who move to a different trust would have their waiting time recalculated to the date they were put on the new consultant's list, although trusts are encouraged to take account of elapsed wait when prioritising them for treatment.
	To reduce variations in waiting times, we are encouraging the pooling of referrals. Pooled referrals are being tested as part of the "Action On Programme". The programme is being run by the national health service Modernisation Agency and aims to tackle those specialties with typically the longest waiting times: ophthalmology; dermatology; ear, nose and throat; and orthopaedics.

Waiting Lists

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made on the waiting time for a general practitioner appointment; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: holding answer 9 January 2002
	Patient surveys identify ready access to primary care as a key issue and the NHS Plan sets targets that by 2004 all patients will be able to see a primary care professional within 24 hours and a general practitioner within 48 hours. Health authorities and primary care trusts have been working with GPs and others to secure delivery of these targets. In doing so they are supported by the work of the National Primary Care Development Team and by resources from the PCT primary care access fund. In-year monitoring indicates that the interim milestone for April 2002 of 60 per cent. compliance will be achieved. Further progress towards these targets will be supported in 2002–03 by an earmarked increase of £83.5 million in the PCT primary care access fund to £168 million.

Care Homes

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what information he collates on the number of elderly people in each local authority (a) resident in care houses and (b) receiving domiciliary care (i) paid for privately and (ii) paid for by the local authority;
	(2)  what information he collates on (a) the number of elderly people in each local authority in need of residential nursing and domiciliary care and (b) the number in receipt of such care.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Department collects information from each council with social services responsibility on the number of elderly people assessed by social services and on the numbers of elderly people receiving residential care, nursing care or community based services, including domiciliary care, as part of the annual Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care (RAP) data collection. National figures were published on 6 December 2001 for the year to 31 March 2001 in "Community Care Statistics 2000–01, Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care for Adults", a copy of which is in the Library. This information relates to services funded wholly or in part by councils with social services responsibilities. Information is not collected centrally on the number of elderly people who pay privately the full cost of their residential, nursing or community based care.

Care Homes

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many registrations there were in England in each year from 1996 to 2001 of nursing and residential places for older people in (a) local authority residential, (b) independent residential, (c) national health services geriatric and psychogeriatric and (d) independent nursing;
	(2)  how many registrations of nursing and residential places for older people there were (a) in England and (b) in each local authority with responsibility for social services in each year from 1996 to 2001.

Jacqui Smith: Information on places for older people in residential care homes in England are available in the Statistical Bulletins "Community Care Statistics 2001: Residential Personal Social services for adults" and "Community Care Statistics 2000: Residential Personal Social services for adults". The publications show the number of residential places for older people in local authority staffed homes and independent residential homes for the years 1996 to 2001. Details of the number of registered beds for older people in nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics in England, for the years 2000 and 2001 are also given in these publications. Copies of the publications are in the Library.
	Details on the number of available beds in national health service facilities are collected on the departmental statistical return—KH03. Bed data can be found in the annual publication "Bed availability and occupancy—England: Each Financial Year to 1999–2000", copies of which are available in the Library.
	Detailed tables showing the number of residential places/registered beds by local area will be placed in the Library shortly.

Free Nursing Care

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 1037W, on free nursing care, if he will make a statement as to why, from Q1 2000–01, reasons for delay were only collected on the basis of patients of all ages and not by (a) age group and (b) reason for delay; and if he will publish the figures he has collated for this period.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The breakdown of reasons for delay is now collected for patients of all ages, rather than just for those over 75, to give a more comprehensive picture of the reasons for delayed discharges. The information requested has been placed in the Library.
	Information from the Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care data collection is not currently published for each council. Information on the numbers of elderly people in residential and nursing care at 31 March 2001 whose care is paid for in whole or in part by the local council (supported residents) is available and published in Table S4 of "Community Care Statistics 2001, Residential Personal Social Services for Adults", a copy of which is in the Library.

Residential and Home Care Charges

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of changes in residential and home care charges for (a) Manchester city council and (b) in the UK;
	(2)  what plans he has to help local authority social services meet residential and home care charges in (a) Manchester and (b) the UK.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	We are providing an additional £680 million to councils next year for social services in England, which is an increase of 6.5 per cent. Manchester will receive its share of this extra money. Councils can decide on how to make best use of these extra resources, including how much to make available for extra residential and home care.

Building Care Capacity Initiative

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the funding available for the Building Capacity Government initiative in (a) Manchester and (b) the UK.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Of the £100 million available nationally for the Building Care Capacity in 2001–02, Manchester received £784,534. On 8 January, we announced that Manchester would get £1.9 million of the £190 million available nationally for 2002–03.
	Using this additional funding Manchester council has reduced delayed discharges locally since November. This is part of a national reduction in delayed discharges by 10 per cent. since September 2001.

Information for Social Care Scheme

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the financial impact on local authorities of the Information for Social Care scheme.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Plans recently submitted by councils with social services responsibilities to the Department indicate a financial requirement for taking forward Information for Social Care as part of the wider 'Modernising Government' agenda. In recognition of the need, and in addition to funding provided by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions under the wider agenda, the Department of Health is providing a capital grant over three years to help each council improve the quality of their welfare services through the better use of information and information technology.

Romanian Adoptions

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adoptions from Romania have taken place in each of the last four years.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The table shows how many Romanian adoption applications the Department has processed in each of the last four years.
	
		Romanian inter-country adoption applications processed by -- the Department of Health
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2001 4 
			 2000 23 
			 1999 8 
			 1998 17

Romanian Adoptions

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has altered its policies on inter-country adoptions from Romania since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	An informal Co-operation Agreement between the Department and the Romanian Committee for Adoptions was signed on 17 February 1998. A copy of the Co-operation Agreement has been placed in the Library for information. The agreement was drawn up in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, following the introduction of new adoption legislation in Romania in 1997. The co-operation agreement embodies the principles of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption 1993.
	A one year moratorium on international adoptions from Romania was announced by the Romanian National Authority for Child Protection and Adoption, formerly the Romanian Committee for Adoptions, on 13 July, following a recommendation from the European Parliament.

Hospital Star Ratings

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken with regard to each of the chief executives of NHS hospital trusts awarded zero stars in his star rating exercise in 2001; and if he will list them.

John Hutton: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The Department, in conjunction with the Modernisation Agency is assessing what progress has been made to improve performance in the 12 national health service trusts who were given a zero star rating in September 2001. These considerations are not yet complete.

Digital Hearing Aids

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the criteria were for the selection of NHS trusts announced on 25 May 2000 in the project to provide access to digital hearing aids; and what the criteria will be for the selection of those which were the subject of his press release on Christmas Eve 2001.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 January 2002
	National health service trusts were invited to be part of the project on the basis of geographical spread, preparedness to modernise, and the commitment of the local health community to the aims of the project. The criteria for selection for the next wave have yet to be determined.

Norwich and Norfolk Hospital

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when his Department received an application from the Norwich and Norfolk hospital for contingency funding, and when such a grant was approved;
	(2)  for what purpose and for what reasons he approved the grant to the Norwich and Norfolk hospital on 9 January.

Alan Milburn: Officials within the Department have control over a small fund to deal with particular pressures on local health services. £75,000 was agreed for the Norfolk and Norwich Health Care National Health Service Trust on 21 December 2001 to cover significant staff sickness. The money was used to fund extra shifts and additional child care costs of staff with family responsibilities to extend their hours. £250,000 was agreed on 9 January 2002 to buy operations in the private sector to free up capacity for emergencies in the trust and to reduce waits for elective surgery, prior to the opening of an additional 144-bed unit later this year on the new hospital site. This is in line with well-established procedures for monitoring local health services. A number of other NHS trusts have already received support through this fund. Others will receive support throughout the year.

Parliamentary Questions

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Hull, North on 26 October 2001 regarding MMR.

Yvette Cooper: I replied to my hon. Friend on 11 January.

Preserved Rights and Residential Allowances

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to compensate local authorities, following the latest RSG settlement, for the shift of responsibility from central to local government for people with preserved rights and residential allowances.

Jacqui Smith: Details of the money local authorities will receive in 2002–03 on account of their new responsibilities towards people with preserved rights and the phasing out of the residential allowance were announced on 4 December and published in Circular LASSL(2001)13, a copy of which is available on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk. I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.

TREASURY

Earnings

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average weekly earnings were of the (a) lowest and (b) highest decile of all employees in each of the last five years.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. John Bercow, dated 14 January 2001
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the average weekly earnings of the lowest and highest decile. I am replying in his absence. (26268)
	The requested information is in the attached table.
	
		Gross weekly earnings of full-time employees on adult rates(20) Great Britain; not seasonally adjusted -- £
		
			  Lowest decile Highest decile 
		
		
			 April 1996 166.9 571.8 
			 April 1997 175.3 590.1 
			 April 1998 182.3 618.5 
			 April 1999 190.0 645.0 
			 April 2000 197.9 662.2 
		
	
	(20) Whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence
	Source:
	New Earnings Survey

Euro

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much, since the introduction of the euro, interest rates have changed in (a) each country in the EU, (b) the US and (c) Japan.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The changes in interest rates in these countries since the start of 1999 are as follows:
	
		Percentage 
		
			  1 January 1999 10 January 2002 
		
		
			 Euro area(21) 3 3.25 
			 UK(22) 6.25 4 
			 Sweden(23) 3.40 3.75 
			 Denmark(24) 3.5 3.25 
			 USA(25) 4.75 1.75 
			 Japan(26) 0.25 0.001 
		
	
	(21) Key financing rate
	(22) Bank of England base rate
	(23) Riksbank repo rate
	(24) Discount rate
	(25) Federal Funds rate
	(26) Unsecured overnight call rate

Euro

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the value of the euro against (a) the pound sterling, (b) the US dollar and (c) the Japanese yen has changed since its introduction.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The information is as follows:
	
		
			 Exchange rate comparisons 1 January 1999 9 January 2002 
		
		
			 UK £ to euro 0.706 0.617 
			 US dollar to euro 1.174 0.889 
			 Japanese yen to euro 132.5 117.8

Euro

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he will take to ensure that measures taken to control bureaux de change and prevent money laundering are applied to retail outlets accepting euro- denominated notes and coins.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 11 January 2002
	All UK institutions and persons are obliged, by law, to report to the proper authorities any financial transactions linked to terrorism or drug trafficking which they become aware of in the course of their trade, business or profession. Retail outlets, along with the rest of the population, are covered by this obligation, irrespective of the currency in which the payment is made.

Euro

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much (a) the retail prices index, (b) GDP, (c) unemployment, (d) employment and (e) taxation as a proportion of GDP or equivalent, has changed since the introduction of the euro in (i) each country in the EU, (ii) the US and (iii) Japan.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 11 January 2002
	International data on retail prices and gross domestic product are available in "Economic Outlook", OECD (eds.). Data on unemployment and employment can be found in "Employment Outlook", OECD (eds.). Information on taxation as a proportion of GDP can be found in "OECD Revenue Statistics 1965–2000". All of these publications are available in the Library of the House.

Euro

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much average incomes have changed, since the introduction of the euro, in (a) each country in the EU, (b) the US and (c) Japan.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 11 January 2002
	International comparisons of disposable income per capita are available in "Main Economic Indicators", OECD (eds.). Comparisons of wage levels across OECD countries are available in "Taxing Wages", OECD (eds.). These publications are available in the Library of the House.

Euro

Graham Allen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will calculate how much it would cost to supply every household in the United Kingdom with a free sterling to euro calculator.

Ruth Kelly: The Government's policy on membership of the single currency is unchanged. The determining factor underpinning any Government decision on membership of the single currency is the national economic interest and whether the economic case for joining is clear and unambiguous.

Euro

John Randall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the amount of public money which has been spent on preparing British business for the arrival of the euro.

Ruth Kelly: Details of expenditure on business euro preparations were set out in the Treasury's Fifth Report on Euro Preparations, published on 4 November 2001. Copies of this were deposited in the Library of the House.

Correspondence

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay of 13 November 2001 regarding Mr. Fraser of Paignton and his confiscated vehicle.

Paul Boateng: I have done so.

Customs and Excise

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the current strength is of the import/ export teams in HM Customs and Excise.

Paul Boateng: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 26 October 2001, Official Report, column 444W.

Fostering

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the cross-cutting review of children at risk will be considering the resource requirements of the fostering service.

Jacqui Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	The children at risk cross-cutting review is focused on ways of improving and co-ordinating a range of services to provide early intervention for those children at risk of social exclusion. It is also looking at ways of providing help and support to those children at key transition points which may trigger problems.
	The review is not looking specifically at the fostering service nor the associated funding issues. The Department is responsible for looking at the resource requirements of the fostering service, as part of the current spending review round.

Pay and Pensions Equalisation

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made by the review into the equalisation of pay and pensions across Government Departments; and when a national agreement will be agreed.

Christopher Leslie: I have been asked to reply.
	Responsibility for pay and grading outside the senior civil service is delegated to Departments and agencies. There are no plans to return to a centralised system, which would be incompatible with our policy of giving greater freedom and autonomy to front line managers in order to encourage innovation and improve delivery.
	The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme is the occupational pension scheme for civil servants and applies across all Departments.

Roques Report

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  when he expects to have completed drafting consolidated Customs and Excise legislation;
	(2)  what progress he has made in implementing a consolidation of Customs and Excise regulations as recommended by the Roques report.

Paul Boateng: Customs introduced the Excise Duty Points (Duty Suspended Movement of Excise Goods) Regulations 2001 last September. These were supported by Mr. Roques in his recent report and strengthen the system for holding and moving excise goods without payment of duty. Further new regulations will be laid shortly.
	Work will begin in 2002–03 on looking at the scope for consolidating related excise legislation. The size of the task has yet to be gauged.

Climate Change Levy

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much and over what period of time he expects carbon emissions to be reduced as a consequence of the climate change levy.

Paul Boateng: The climate change levy package is forecast to deliver reductions in CO 2 emissions of 5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010.

Insurance Payouts

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate the role of insurance companies in delays in payouts to victims when there is a clear allocation of responsibility to guilty parties.

Ruth Kelly: The financial ombudsman scheme and the courts provide means of redress for policyholders if they believe there are unjustifiable delays.

Working Families Tax Credit

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the working families tax credit on second and third jobs.

Dawn Primarolo: The impact of working families tax credit on the labour market will be assessed in due course as part of the evaluation programme.

Annuities

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the timetable is for the proposed review of annuities.

Ruth Kelly: The Government's policy on annuities and proposals for reform will be set out in a consultation document which will be published shortly. We will consider the consultation responses carefully before deciding how to proceed.

PRIME MINISTER

Exchange Rate Policy

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the work of the Forward Strategy Unit on exchange rate policy and the overproduction of sterling.

Tony Blair: No such work is being undertaken.

Government Units

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will (a) list the (i) senior staff and (ii) other ministerial personnel, (b) describe the role and (c) publish the e-mail address and the mission statement of (1) the Forward Strategy Unit, (2) the Performance and Innovation Unit, (3) the Social Exclusion Unit, (4) the Delivery Unit and (5) the Domestic Policy Directorate; and how often and on what basis each reports to him.

Tony Blair: The purpose of all the units is to help achieve our commitment to the modernisation and reform in public services and report to me regularly.
	The Forward Strategy Unit reports directly to me and is headed by Geoff Mulgan. The unit's role is to provide internal long-term strategic analysis and policy thinking for me and other Cabinet Ministers. The FSU's e-mail address is: forwardstrategyunit@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk.
	The Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) reports to me through Sir Richard Wilson and is headed by Geoff Mulgan. Its role is to provide me and Government Departments with a capacity to analyse major cross- cutting policy issues and design strategic solutions. The PIU's mission statement is:
	To improve the effectiveness of Government policies, their implementation and service delivery mechanisms, working with Departments and others on cross-cutting and innovative projects. A number of Ministers have been involved as sponsor Ministers for PIU projects. Full information is on the PIU website: www.piu.gov.uk.
	The Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) reports to me through the Deputy Prime Minister and is headed by Moira Wallace. The Social Exclusion Unit's remit is to help improve Government action to reduce social exclusion by producing "joined up solutions to joined up problems". It works mainly on specific projects, chosen following consultation with other Ministers and suggestions from interested groups. In addition to its project-based work, the unit is involved in other cross-governmental policy relating to social exclusion. The SEU can be contacted through their website: www.socialexclusionunit.gov.uk.
	The Delivery Unit (DU) reports to me under the day to day supervision of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Lord Macdonald, and is headed by Michael Barber. The unit is working closely with the Treasury and other Departments to ensure that the Government achieve their delivery priorities during this Parliament across the key areas of public service: health, education, crime, asylum and transport.
	My Principal Private Secretary, Jeremy Heywood leads the Policy Directorate within No. 10 covering domestic policy.

Forward Strategy Unit

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will publish the conclusions drawn by Lord Birt on the NHS and on transport;
	(2)  if he will ensure that all reports to and conference discussions held by the Forward Strategy Unit are published.

Tony Blair: It is not our policy to publish Forward Strategy Unit reports which will provide me and other Cabinet Ministers with long-term internal strategic analysis and policy thinking. Internal policy advice to Ministers remains confidential.

Ministerial Visits

Michael Ancram: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the dates of foreign visits he has made since 11 September; which countries he visited; whom he met; what was discussed; what the size of his entourage was; which Foreign Office Ministers accompanied him; and what the total cost of the visit was in each case.

Tony Blair: Since 11 September, I have made the following overseas visits and met the following leaders:
	19 September
	Germany—Chancellor Schroder
	20 September
	France—President Chirac
	USA—President Bush
	21 September
	European Council meeting—Brussels
	4 October
	Russia—President Putin
	5 October
	Pakistan—President Musharraf
	6 October
	India—Prime Minister Vajpayee
	9 October
	Switzerland—Shaikh Zayed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi
	10 October
	Oman—His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said
	11 October
	Egypt—President Mubarak
	19 October
	Belgium—Informal meeting of EU Heads of Government (Ghent)
	31 October
	Syria—President al-Assad
	Saudi Arabia—King Fahd of Saudi Arabia
	1 November
	Jordan—King Abdullah II of Jordan
	Palestinian Authority—President Arafat
	Israel—Prime Minister Sharon
	Italy—Prime Minister Berlusconi
	7 November
	USA—President Bush
	27 November
	Germany—Chancellor Schroder
	30 November
	Ireland—Meeting of the British Irish Council
	13–15 December
	Belgium—European Council meeting (Laeken)
	3–8 January 2002
	Bangladesh—Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
	India—Prime Minister Vajpayee
	Pakistan—President Musharraf
	Afghanistan—Hamid Karzai, Chairman of Afghanistan Interim Authority.
	A range of issues were discussed during these visits, including the international coalition against terrorism, the middle east peace process, EU affairs, bilateral relations and regional issues.
	The Foreign Secretary attended the European Council meetings on 21 September and 13–15 December. The Minister for Europe also attended the European Council meeting in December.
	A detailed list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas and information on expenditure by all Ministers on travel overseas for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year.

Ministerial Visits

Joan Walley: To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the results of his visit to Pakistan in relation to Kashmir.

Tony Blair: I discussed Kashmir with President Musharraf during my visit to Pakistan on 7 January, along with other bilateral and regional issues. I made clear our view that the issue of Kashmir can only be resolved through bilateral dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Energy Review

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on how he plans to implement the recommendations in the report of the Performance and Innovation Unit on United Kingdom energy objectives; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Mr. Thomas) on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 816W.

Energy Review

David Drew: To ask the Prime Minister when the Energy Review is expected to report.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Mr. Thomas) on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 816W.

International Criminal Court

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 9 January 2002, how often the issue of the proposed introduction of legal measures on ratification of the statute of the International Criminal Court has been discussed with Secretary of State Powell.

Tony Blair: The then Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook), discussed this issue with Secretary of State Powell early last year. Together with our EU partners we have since sent two written demarches about this to Secretary of State Powell.

Matthew Elson

Theresa May: To ask the Prime Minister what involvement he and his officials had in the appointment of Matthew Elson as transport adviser within the No. 10 Policy Unit.

Tony Blair: Matthew Elson has joined No. 10 as a special adviser. He was appointed by me under the terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers, and in line with the requirements of paragraph 50 of the Ministerial Code.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Justice and Home Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 6 and 7 December 2001; what the Government's position was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: I represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels on 6 and 7 December 2001.
	A points:
	The A points were approved as in document 14899/01 (a copy of which has been placed in the Library).
	Framework Decision on a European Arrest Warrant:
	Fourteen member states and the Commission could agree to a revised Presidency compromise package, the principal elements of which were a three-year penalty threshold for the offences on the existing list of crimes for which dual criminality would be abolished, a time- limited opt out for one member state in relation to extradition of own nationals and a territoriality clause allowing a member state to refuse extradition where the offence was committed on its own territory. A council statement would broadly define the offences of racism and xenophobia, swindling, sabotage, racketeering and extortion. One member state was unable to accept the final compromise package and argued that the warrant should apply only to cases of terrorism and the most serious crimes on the list. Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism:
	Agreement was reached subject to parliamentary scrutiny reserves from three member states.
	Council Decision Establishing Eurojust:
	The Council decision establishing Eurojust was agreed subject to parliamentary scrutiny reserves from four member states. National members were to be appointed within two months of the publication of the Council decision in the Official Journal.
	Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography:
	Fourteen member states could agree to the definitions of offences of children and child pornography contained in the framework decision; one member state disagreed, arguing that the exemptions from criminal liability for offences in relation in return to virtual pornography should be deleted. With the support of several other member states, I said the United Kingdom would wish to make a declaration stating that the United Kingdom would continue to take tough action against both real and virtual pornographic images of children.
	Harmonisation of Penalties:
	There was general agreement to pursue the Presidency's proposal for the future approximation of criminal law penalties. This would comprise a range of penalties defined by the periods of maximum imprisonment for each category of offence. Level one would require penalties which would permit extradition, level two would require a penalty attracting not less than a maximum period of one to five years' imprisonment, level three would attract five to 10 years' and level four would be 10 years' imprisonment and above.
	Parental Responsibility:
	Discussion of this item was postponed.
	The Fight Against Terrorism:
	The Director of Europol reported on increased counter-terrorist activity at Europol since 11 September. He noted member states' increased willingness to share information with Europol.
	Terrorism Roadmap:
	The Presidency reported that important progress had been made in the follow-up to the action agreed at the JHA Council on 20 September. One member state proposed a number of additional measures for inclusion in the roadmap; these would be discussed further in the appropriate working group.
	Asylum Procedures Directive: Draft Council Conclusions:
	The council held a debate on the Presidency text, which focused on appeal rights. I argued for swift agreement on the package of asylum directives currently under negotiation and added that asylum procedures should be rapid and fair but should not allow multiple opportunities for appeal. The Presidency noted a broad consensus on the way forward, and agreed to amend its text in the light of member states' comments.
	European Management Concept on Border control:
	There was broad support for a Presidency proposal to strengthen the EU's external frontier and for an ongoing feasibility study for a European Border Guard. Several delegations saw no need for a supranational force but there was consensus on improved training and co-operation. The Commission said that it would be issuing a communication on external frontiers early in 2002. Provisions for Applying Eurodac:
	One member state still had difficulties with the technical specifications in the draft implementing rules. The Presidency urged a swift resolution to this problem.
	Common Visa List (CVL)—Romania:
	The council regulation placing Romania on the CVL exempt list from 1 January 2002 was agreed, with a declaration on continued monitoring of all the candidate countries.
	Address by United States (US) Secretary of State:
	The council was addressed by Colin Powell, US Secretary of State. He praised the EU's solidarity with the US since 11 September and welcomed the progress made on law enforcement co-operation. He urged a swift resolution to the issue of exchange of data for law enforcement purposes. The US/Europol agreement was signed. The Presidency and the Commission summarised EU achievements on counter-terrorism since 11 September and welcomed the enhanced co-operation with the US.
	Mixed Committee with Iceland and Norway
	SIS 11—new functions:
	Iceland, chairing the Mixed Committee session at Ministerial level, introduced the Presidency's paper on future Schengen Information System (SIS) requirements and noted that the council's discussion would serve as political guidance for the development of SIS 11. The Commission emphasised the importance of early agreement, as any new features would need to be included in its feasibility study, to be launched in February 2002. There was general agreement to the principle of using SIS data for a wider range of purposes and to a study on the possibility of exchanging information on persons precluded from leaving the Schengen area.
	Other Visa and Consular Issues:
	There was agreement in principle to the draft regulations on a uniform visa format and form for affixing vias, subject to necessary procedures being completed in the European and national Parliaments. The council decision on Schengen visa fees also received general endorsement. The Presidency introduced its report on improving local consular co-operation, through measures such as a shared database of visa applications and joint visa offices.

Metropolitan Police Recruitment

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police officers have been recruited from (a) Surrey police and (b) service at Epsom police station in each of the last three years.

John Denham: The information is as follows:
	
		Surrey police—transfers to the Metropolitan police
		
			  Year  Number of officers transferring in total from Surrey police Number of Epsom based officers who transferred to the Metropolitan police(27) 
		
		
			 1998–99 2 — 
			 1999–2000 1 — 
			 2000–01 9 1 
			 2001–02(28) 29 2 
		
	
	(27) Before 1 April 2000 Epsom police station was part of the Metropolitan police service. It is therefore only possible to show the number of Surrey police officers who were based at Epsom and transferred to the Metropolitan police service from 1 April 2000.
	(28) To 18 December 2001.
	These figures do not include Metropolitan police service (MPS) officers who were seconded to Surrey police following the boundary changes of 1 April 2000 and have since returned to the MPS.
	Following the boundary changes on 1 April 2000, 249 MPS officers were seconded to the Surrey police of whom 63 were posted to Epsom police station. Since then 209 officers have returned to the MPS of whom 56 were based at Epsom.

Police Awards

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what awards will be given to police officers on the front line; and how an officer will qualify for an award.

John Denham: holding answer 18 December 2001
	Awards to police officers in Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Executive. All police officers in England and Wales are eligible to receive awards, whether in recognition of distinguished or long service or of a particular act of bravery. The criteria for awards are the same for Scotland as for England and Wales.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced on 4 December 2001 that eligibility for the Golden Jubilee Medal is to be extended to all members of the emergency services, using five years' service criterion applying to the defence services. Police officers and special constables who have served a minimum of five years reckonable service at the time of the 50th Anniversary of the Queen's Accession (6 February 2002) will be eligible for the award.

Police Stations

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new police stations opened in each of the last five years in the Metropolitan police area.

John Denham: The information requested is in the table, provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
	
		
			  Financial year  New police station Closed and reopened after refurbishment 
		
		
			 1997–98 Colindale, Isle of Dogs West End Central 
			 1998–99 None Hounslow 
			 1999–2000 Staines Southwark, Paddington 
			 2000–01 None North Woolwich 
			 2001–02 None Romford, Holborn(29) 
		
	
	(29) Planned February 2002

Air Weapons

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers the police have to remove air weapons from individuals.

John Denham: Under section 47(1) of the Firearms Act 1968, a constable may require any person whom he has reasonable cause to suspect of having a firearm in a public place or to be committing or about to commit an offence elsewhere than in a public place to hand over the firearm for examination. Any air weapon which is capable of inflicting a lethal injury is regarded as a firearm. The police also have powers under the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to seize and retain offensive weapons and anything which is evidence of an offence.

Police Funding

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list funding per head of population for policing by force area.

John Denham: Grant funding per head of population for 2001–02 and provisional grant funding for 2002–03 are given in the table. Grant allocation includes Home Office Police Grant, Revenue Support Grant (from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions), National Non Domestic Rates, Crime Fighting Fund allocations and, where applicable, rural policing fund grants.
	Resident population is one of a number of indicators used in the calculation of the police funding formula. Details of the indicators and their relative value in determining the allocation for individual forces are set out in "The Provision Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2002–03", a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
	
		£ 
		
			   Grant funding per head  
			 Police force 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 100.55 105.03 
			 Bedfordshire 101.29 106.24 
			 Cambridgeshire 93.75 97.33 
			 Cheshire 99.69 104.23 
			 City of London n/a n/a 
			 Cleveland 141.32 147.03 
			 Cumbria 114.95 119.21 
			 Derbyshire 96.27 101.56 
			 Devon and Cornwall 100.17 105.32 
			 Dorset 85.83 89.48 
			 Durham 127.10 131.96 
			 Dyfed Powys 102.47 107.16 
			 Essex 92.13 96.54 
			 GLA all functions 261.31 275.43 
			 Gloucestershire 98.94 103.29 
			 Greater Manchester 139.38 145.77 
			 Gwent 116.74 121.90 
			 Hampshire 98.50 103.75 
			 Hertfordshire 92.30 97.04 
			 Humberside 120.67 124.28 
			 Kent 107.87 112.09 
			 Lancashire 116.96 121.86 
			 Leicestershire 100.51 105.13 
			 Lincolnshire 92.50 96.21 
			 Merseyside 162.87 168.27 
			 Norfolk 96.95 102.25 
			 North Yorkshire 91.81 95.88 
			 Northamptonshire 96.02 99.68 
			 Northumbria 143.05 147.73 
			 North Wales 106.86 111.02 
			 Nottinghamshire 114.20 117.92 
			 South Wales 122.54 128.64 
			 South Yorkshire 125.13 129.17 
			 Staffordshire 96.58 100.12 
			 Suffolk 92.72 96.47 
			 Surrey 77.04 79.63 
			 Sussex 96.94 101.43 
			 Thames Valley 93.91 98.48 
			 Warwickshire 92.21 95.42 
			 West Mercia 90.12 93.65 
			 West Midlands 139.62 144.64 
			 West Yorkshire 128.84 133.40 
			 Wiltshire 93.84 97.36 
		
	
	Note:
	The Corporation of the City of London have grants calculated as a local authority with wider functions than police. The principal police grant is given in the provisional police grant report.

Mentally Ill Prisoners

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mentally ill people there are in prison.

Beverley Hughes: A survey of mental ill health in the prison population of England and Wales, undertaken in 1997 by the Office for National Statistics, showed that some 10 per cent. of remanded men, 7 per cent. of sentenced men and 14 per cent. of all women prisoners had suffered from a functional psychosis in the past year. Some 59 per cent. of remanded men, 76 per cent. of remanded women, 40 per cent. of sentenced men and 63 per cent. of sentenced women had a neurotic disorder.
	Applying these rates to the current population would indicate that around 5,300 prisoners would be suffering from a functional psychosis and around 30,000 from a neurotic disorder. Some prisoners will have both conditions.

Ashfield Prison

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on staff recruitment and retentions at HMP Ashfield; and if he will list the numbers and types of staff vacancies at HMP Ashfield.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Staff turnover at Ashfield prison and young offender institution has been similar to that experienced at Premier Custodial Group's other contracts at the same stage of development and is broadly in line with their expectations. The contractor has found that as contracts move out of the start-up and initial development phase, turnover reduces. It is expected Ashfield will follow a similar pattern.
	As at 10 January 2002, there were 31 vacancies at Ashfield, of which 17 were for prisoner custody officers (PCOs). On 18 January 2002, 20 PCOs will have completed their training and take up post. Interviews are in hand to recruit the remainder.

Ashfield Prison

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if the director of HMP Ashfield is on a permanent contract; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the departure of his predecessor;
	(2)  if he will list the directors of HMP Ashfield since it was opened and the dates between which each was employed.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The directors at Ashfield prison and young offender institution since it opened on 1 November 1999 have been Mr. Nicholas Pascoe who was director from 21 September 1999 to 12 November 2000 and Mr. David Bramley who was director from 16 November 2000 and resigned on 24 December 2001. A new director is currently being sought. Mr. Joseph Mullens, the Director of Operations at Premier Custodial Group, is acting director for the time being and has previously worked for the Prison Service as a governing governor.

Detective Inspector John Redgrave

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2001, Official Report, column 230W, on Detective Inspector John Redgrave, when the letter of 25 April was received by the solicitor in the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Legal Services.

John Denham: holding answer 19 December 2001
	The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that a copy of the letter, dated 25 April 2001, was received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Directorate of Legal Services on or about 27 April 2001 and they gave preliminary advice to the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) in May. However, before a detailed reply to the letter could be provided, it was necessary for the DPS to consider other issues and to seek further legal advice.

Dungavel Detention Centre

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether employees of local authorities who carry out duties within Dungavel Detention Centre have had (a) fingerprints and (b) photographs of them taken.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 11 January 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 709W.

Police Numbers

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers serve with the Staffordshire force; how many officers this represents per 100,000 head of population; and how the number of officers for Staffordshire compares with other shire counties in England.

John Denham: The number of police officers per 100,000 head of population in Staffordshire is 200. The average number of officers per 100,000 of population in the shire counties is 203.

Police Numbers

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers were in post in the Hertfordshire constabulary in each year since 1983.

John Denham: The information is set out in the table.
	
		Hertfordshire constabulary
		
			  Police strength as at 31 March 
		
		
			 1983 1,554 
			 1984 1,562 
			 1985 1,562 
			 1986 1,565 
			 1987 1,579 
			 1988 1,603 
			 1989 1,638 
			 1990 1,657 
			 1991 1,666 
			 1992 1,695 
			 1993 1,700 
			 1994 1,682 
			 1995 1,703 
			 1996 1,712 
			 1997 1,759 
			 1998 1,740 
			 1999 1,724 
			 2000 1,767 
			 2001(30) 1,922 
			 2001 (30 September) 1,843 
		
	
	(30) Affected by boundary changes on 1 April 2000 with the Metropolitan police
	The reduction in police numbers since 1 April 2001 can be attributed to Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) offices seconded following the boundary changes on 1 April 2000 returning to the MPS. All such secondees are due to return to the MPS by 31 March 2002.

Assisted Prisoner Visits Unit

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2001, Official Report, column 239W, on the budget of the assisted prisoner visits unit, how much of the budget for 2001–02 is expected to be paid to assist (a) foreign nationals and (b) UK nationals to visit those held in prisons in England and Wales.

Beverley Hughes: Applicants for assistance under the Assisted Prison Visits scheme are required to show that they meet the eligibility criteria. They are not asked to state their nationality as this is not one of the criteria for assistance. It is therefore not possible to distinguish between foreign and United Kingdom nationals who receive assistance.

Asylum Seekers

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers were held in detention under immigration regulations at the most recent available date; and of these how many were appealing against removal.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The latest available information on the number of persons detained under Immigration Act powers relates to 30 September 2001. As at that date, 1,330 persons (to the nearest five) who are recorded as having claimed asylum at some stage were being detained, which includes 145 persons detained under dual Immigration Act and other powers but excludes persons detained in police cells.
	I regret that information on the stage of application of detained asylum seekers is not available except by examining individual case files at disproportionate cost, so it is not possible to determine how many detained asylum seekers were appealing against removal as at 30 September.
	Information on Immigration Act detainees as at 29 December 2001 will be published on 28 February 2002 on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/ immigration1.html.
	The temporary use of local prison establishments to hold immigration detainees is scheduled to end by the end of January.

Asylum Seekers

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for the detention of asylum seekers in prisons.

David Blunkett: By the end of January immigration detainees held in local prisons will, if their detention is to continue, be transferred to immigration removal centres. This has been made possible by the opening of three new removal centres at Harmondsworth, near Heathrow, Dungavel in Lanarkshire, and at Yarlswood in Bedfordshire.
	Additionally immigration detainees are held in two dedicated prison establishments: a unit in Her Majesty's Prison Lindholme, near Doncaster; and Her Majesty's Prison Haslar. I am taking steps to establish these as immigration removal centres under the control of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office as from February. Detainees in these establishments will be subject to Detention Centre Rules, rather than the Prison Rules as at present. It may take some time before the facilities in the new centres match those of other removal centres, but that is our intention.
	Asylum seekers are also detained in two wings of Her Majesty's Prison Rochester. These detainees will be transferred to other immigration removal centres by the end of January. A new removal centre will be established at Her Majesty's Prison Dover in the spring.
	It will always remain necessary to hold small numbers of immigration detainees including asylum seekers in prisons for reasons of security, or who are awaiting deportation on conclusion of a prison sentence. Any asylum seeker who is held on suspicion of having committed a criminal offence, or is serving a custodial sentence will also be held in prison.

Prisons (Health and Safety)

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to monitor health and safety in prisons.

Beverley Hughes: At present health and safety in the prisons is monitored by health and safety advisers, employed by the Home Office, who carry out a health and safety audit in each prison once every two years.
	As a result of reorganisation, this work will be transferred to the Prison Service later this year. The service will continue to carry out health and safety audits in prisons, auditing each prison once every two years.

Styal Women's Prison

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides have taken place at Styal Women's Prison in each of the last 10 years.

Beverley Hughes: There have been three self-inflicted deaths at Styal prison during the last 10 years (up to and including 2 January 2002), as set out in the table.
	
		
			 Year Number of deaths 
		
		
			 1992 1 
			 2000 1 
			 2001 1 
			  
			 Total 3

Styal Women's Prison

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates at Styal Women's Prison are receiving treatment for drug addiction.

Beverley Hughes: Treatment provision at Styal can be divided into three components. On average, about 50 prisoners each month receive detoxification treatment and, on average, about 40 CARAT (counselling, assessment, advice, referral and throughcare services) assessments are undertaken each month. Prisoners requiring intensive treatment for moderate to severe drug misuse are transferred to another prison where such programmes are available.

Internet

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the protection of children from exploitation through the internet.

Keith Bradley: Representations have been received from a variety of interested parties including children's charities, businesses involved in the development and provision of internet services and internet security technologies, and individuals. These have been followed up by officials both in writing and meetings to explore and encourage activity in support of the aims and objectives of the Task Force on Child Protection on the internet which the Home Secretary created last year.

Paedophiles

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation which enables community leaders to be informed if registered paedophiles move into their area.

Beverley Hughes: The police already have and use the power to disclose information to individuals or groups in the community where they believe that doing so is necessary to prevent an offence from being committed. They assess to whom to disclose the information and how to do so on the basis of the circumstances of the individual case.
	We have made it clear that local people who are properly trained will be enabled to take part in the local public protection panels we have required the police and probation services to set up to manage dangerous offenders in the community. This is an important way of ensuring that the local community feels it has a voice and a representative in the process.

Hunting (Policing Costs)

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average annual costs incurred policing (a) fox hunting, (b) deer hunting and (c) hare coursing events were in each of the last five years.

John Denham: This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Vandalism and Graffiti

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people were prosecuted for criminal damage in the UK in 2000–01; and what proportion of these relate to acts of vandalism;
	(2)  how many people were prosecuted for committing acts of graffiti in 2000–01;
	(3)  what proportion of people convicted for (a) acts of vandalism or (b) graffiti in 2000–01 received conditional discharges.

John Denham: The information held centrally on the Home Office's Court Proceedings Database giving the number of people prosecuted for all criminal damage offences, the number convicted and the proportion convicted given a conditional discharge in England and Wales during 2000 is given in the table. Data for 2001 are not yet available.
	The statistics collected centrally do not include the circumstances of the offence so that offences of vandalism, or offences of committing acts of graffiti, cannot be distinguished from other offences of criminal damage.
	Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively.
	
		Number of persons proceeded against in the magistrates court, convicted at all courts and sentenced to a conditional discharge at all courts, for criminal damage(31) offences, England and Wales, 2000(32)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Total proceeded against 57,833 
			 Total convicted 38,226 
			 Total sentenced 38,067 
			 of which:  
			 Total sentenced to a conditional discharge 12,585 
		
	
	(31) Includes both indictable and summary offences of criminal damage, including arson, criminal damage endangering life and threat etc. to commit criminal damage.
	(32) Estimates made for Staffordshire police force, who were only able to submit 2000 data for a sample of weeks, have been included in the totals shown in this table.
	Note:
	All data are given on a principal offence basis.

Polygamous Marriages

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many polygamous marriages there are in the UK.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 8 January 2002
	We do not collect information on the number of households where there is more than one wife. However, bigamy is a criminal offence under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. This legislation covers all marriages which take place in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or by United Kingdom citizens abroad. The number of defendants proceeded against in England and Wales in 2000 for bigamy is given in the table.
	
		
			  Number proceeded against Number found guilty 
		
		
			 Male 14 10 
			 Female 3 2 
			  
			 Total 17 12 
		
	
	Moreover, even if a couple has the legal capacity to enter into a polygamous marriage overseas and the marriage is valid in the country where it is celebrated, the Immigration Act 1988 prevents a person from bringing more than one spouse to settle with him or her in the United Kingdom.

Immigration (South Africans)

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) white and (b) black South African citizens have emigrated to Britain in each year since 1988.

Angela Eagle: The table provides statistics on the total number of South Africans granted settlement in the United Kingdom in each year from 1988 to 2000. I regret that an ethnic breakdown of these statistics is not available.
	
		Nationals of South Africa accepted for settlement, 1988 to 2000
		
			  Number of persons 
		
		
			 1988 870 
			 1989 730 
			 1990 850 
			 1991 1,050 
			 1992 890 
			 1993 1,100 
			 1994 1,260 
			 1995 1,300 
			 1996 1,040 
			 1997 1,290 
			 1998 2,260 
			 1999 2,950 
			 2000 4,300 
		
	
	Note:
	Data rounded to the nearest 10

Speeding (Buckingham)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fines were levied for speeding in the constituency of Buckingham in each year since 1997; and what was the total sum raised.

John Denham: Available information on the number of fixed penalties issued and fines imposed at court is shown in the table.
	
		Fixed penalty and court proceeding data for offences of speeding for the Thames Valley police force area and central Buckinghamshire PSA(33), 1997–99
		
			  Fixed penalties Court proceedings  
			  Number of tickets Estimated revenue (£)(34) Number of fines Total amount of fine (£) Average fine (£) 
		
		
			  Thames Valley police force area  
			 1997 53,285 2,131,400 3,353 471,950 141 
			 1998 62,827 2,513,080 6,353 1,174,322 185 
			 1999 46,034 1,841,360 4,165 697,594 167 
			   
			  Central Buckinghamshire PSA(33) 
			 1997 (35)— (35)— 916 137,088 150 
			 1998 (35)— (35)— 1,559 264,510 170 
			 1999 (35)— (35)— 927 158,038 170 
		
	
	(33) PSA—Petty Sessional Area
	(34) 'Estimate' based on £40 fixed penalty charge from 1995 to 1999
	(35) Not applicable

Special Constables

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to pay special constables; and if such payment will be tax free.

John Denham: The Government have made it clear in the White Paper "Policing a New Century—A Blueprint for Reform" that we are considering a number of options to improve both the recruitment and retention of special constables.

Animal Welfare

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions for animal cruelty there were in each year since 1990.

Angela Eagle: The numbers of scientific procedures on living animals started in each year from 1990 to 2000 inclusive, broken down by species of animal and the various purposes or types of procedures are given in tables contained within the annual publication "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain", copies of which are in the Library. Figures for 2001 will be published in 2002.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans she has to review the e-strategy of the Public Record Office following experience with the 1901 Census website.

Rosie Winterton: The Public Record Office is currently reviewing its e-business strategy as part of the annual corporate planning process. The draft corporate plans are submitted to the Lord Chancellor.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the cost to public funds was of setting-up and providing systems to support the 1901 Census website.

Rosie Winterton: The cost to the Public Record Office since 1998 of the 1901 Census Online Project has been £1.2 million. The bulk of the project is funded by the PRO's business partner QinetiQ Ltd., using independent finance, and is intended to be self-financing.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which contractors were responsible for the construction and operation of the 1901 Census website.

Rosie Winterton: The contractor responsible for the construction and operation of the 1901 Census website is QinetiQ Ltd., supported by its sub-contractors Amey IT Services and Sopheon UK Ltd. Amey IT Services sub-contracted Internet Service Provision to BTIgnite.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what was the planned capacity of the 1901 Census website; what has been the actual level of demand from the public; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The planned capacity was calculated by benchmarking with other existing family history sites and then raised. The site was then constructed to allow for 1 million users, with provision to cope with peak demand of 1.2 million users, in any 24-hour period. Prior to the site being closed on 7 January 2002 to enable enhancements to be carried out, it is estimated that the maximum demand it experienced was approximately 1.2 million users per hour.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will make a statement on the reasons for the closure of the 1901 Census website; and when she expects it to re-open.

Rosie Winterton: From its launch on 2 January 2002 the site was subject to levels of demands that were unprecedented in volume and intensity. Many users were prevented from accessing the service. So that enhancements could be introduced, the site was, therefore, temporarily closed to general internet access on 7 January 2002 with the exception of access at the Family Records Centre, at the Kew site of the PRO and at a number of local public libraries and archive services. General internet access will be re-introduced gradually as these enhancements are achieved.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if the 1901 Census is accessible on-line (a) from the Family Records Centre and (b) from other specific locations.

Rosie Winterton: The 1901 Census is at present available online at the Family Records Centre in Islington, at the Kew site of the PRO, and at a number of local public library and archive services. This access, although limited, is feasible while enhancements are made to the site.

Census Website

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when contracts for the construction, support and operation of the 1901 Census website were (a) offered for tender and (b) awarded.

Rosie Winterton: The PRO placed a notice in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC), seeking expressions of interest on 6 November 1998. Following the tender process, the contract was awarded and signed by the PRO and QinetiQ Ltd. (formerly the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency) on 19 January 2000.

Court Orders

Michael Connarty: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what recent discussions he has had with the courts administration on the time taken to process orders from the Scottish courts through the English court system; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: No recent discussions have taken place on this issue. Orders from all courts outside England and Wales, including Scottish orders, are registered at the Royal Courts of Justice within 48 hours of receipt. It is then a matter for the solicitors in the case to choose the method of enforcement. The speed at which this is done is in the hands of the solicitors. As all warrants from courts outside England and Wales are registered together, a special exercise would need to be conducted to calculate the time taken to process orders from Scottish courts. This could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Fault Free Divorce

Chris Ruane: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average (a) time to process and (b) cost to public funds of a fault free divorce in each of the last 10 years.

Michael Wills: There are five categories under which a decree for divorce can be obtained, only two of which could be deemed fault free (two years' separation where the respondent consents and five years' separation without consent). The table shows the number of divorce petitions issued in each of the last 10 years, for which figures are available. The speed at which an individual divorce is processed is in the hands of the parties and/or their legal representatives. There is no system currently in place to measure either the average time to process or the cost to public funds of a fault free divorce.
	
		Divorce petitions issued per year
		
			 Year Divorce petitions issued 
		
		
			 1991 182,310 
			 1992 192,391 
			 1993 187,357 
			 1994 180,690 
			 1995 178,007 
			 1996 181,502 
			 1997 165,350 
			 1998 167,265 
			 1999 164,951 
			 2000 160,097

Special Advisers

Michael Fallon: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many complaints have been reported in her Department under paragraph 11 of the Civil Service Code since 13 May 1999; and how many of them related to special advisers.

Rosie Winterton: The procedures for making complaints under the Civil Service Code are set out in the Department's staff handbook. Civil servants are encouraged, in the first instance, to raise complaints made under paragraph 11 of the Civil Service Code with their line manager. If for any reason this is not felt to be possible, perhaps because the line manager is part of the complaint, individuals may take their complaint to a nominated official (or officials). It is not possible to provide a comprehensive figure for the number of complaints made within this Department under paragraph 11 of the Code as there is no requirement for managers to report to the centre details of complaints made under the Civil Service Code which are resolved within the management lint.

Urban Regeneration

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what schemes targeting urban regeneration needs are managed by her Department; how much each scheme has available to invest; what issues each scheme aims to tackle; and how much has been spent annually since 1997 (a) in the United Kingdom, (b) in Teesside, (c) in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough councils and, (d) in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency.

Rosie Winterton: The Community Legal Service provides a framework for local networks of legal and advice services through which £792 million of core legal aid is delivered in England and Wales. This funding is allocated via contracts granted by the Legal Services Commission on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.
	The Partnership Innovation Budget (PIB) is a key element of the Community Legal Service. The PIB, approved in September 2000, provides "seedcorn" funding for new initiatives to improve people's access to legal information and advice, particularly in the most deprived areas. Through competitive bidding it will distribute £15 million over three years. Sixty-four successful PIB bids were announced in September 2001. Proposals covered a wide range of ideas including for example: a virtual law centre; projects to work with health care professionals to bring legal advice to hard to reach groups such as people with mental health difficulties, young and older people, the vulnerable and those less mobile; and a scheme for increasing the availability of trained lawyers in shortage categories of social welfare law.
	Successful bids for Teesside were valued £814,775. Bids for Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland were valued at £631,975. Successful bids included: Redcar and Cleveland Citizens Advice Bureau for a developmental education project about management money, basic rights and entitlements; Redcar and Cleveland Citizens Advice Bureau/MIND for delivering advice to people with mental health difficulties; Tees Valley Connexions for a help service for young people; Middlesbrough CAB for delivering advice to people with mental health difficulties; Middlesbrough BC Welfare Rights Unit for benefit advice to older people, Benefits Agency (Tees district) for a one stop advice circle; and Hartlepool CAB for a preventative education programme in Hartlepool.
	No separate figure is available specifically for (d) the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, but my hon. Friend's constituents are provided for under the schemes as detailed.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 26 November, Official Report, column 688W, on warm front grants, if she will publish for each quarter since 1 June 2000 by region (a) the modal, (b) the median and (c) the mean cost of HEES and HEES plus grants; and why the average cost of grant for England in 2000–01 for HEES was 26 per cent. and for HEES plus 17 per cent. of the total grant available.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 10 December 2001
	The Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd. manage the home energy efficiency scheme, marketed as the warm front team, under contract. The table shows the modal, median and mean cost for HEES and HEES Plus in the period from June 2000 to November 2001. The data are shown in terms of grouped regions as it is not possible to provide individual region areas without incurring disproportionate cost.
	The difference between the average grant paid under HEES and the grant maximum is due to the nature of the scheme. The package of measures provided is tailored to the requirements of each property. For example if a home already has a central heating system then a package of insulation measures is provided. This approach ensures that the scheme provides the greatest assistance to those householders most in need, and less to those whose homes are already energy efficient.
	
		£ 
		
			  Mean Median Mode 
		
		
			 HEES
			 North West and North East
			 June 2000 to September 2001 270 250 90 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 260 240 100 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 270 240 110 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 290 270 110 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 260 230 110 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 240 160 110 
			 
			 Eastern, East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber
			 June 2000 to September 2001 260 240 240 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 260 220 250 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 270 230 170 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 280 240 120 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 280 240 260 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 280 230 260 
			 
			 South West and West Midlands
			 June 2000 to September 2001 260 240 80 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 280 250 100 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 300 270 100 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 310 280 100 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 290 270 100 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 270 260 100 
			 
			 North West and North East
			 June 2000 to September 2001 280 250 90 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 290 260 90 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 310 270 270 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 310 280 100 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 300 280 100 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 280 260 110 
			 
			 HEES PLUS
			 North West and North East
			 June 2000 to September 2001 520 260 90 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 600 270 100 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 570 280 110 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 510 270 110 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 410 220 110 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 390 210 110 
			 
			 Eastern, East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber
			 June 2000 to September 2001 360 230 240 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 270 210 240 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 490 270 1,000 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 540 320 1,000 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 540 330 950 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 520 310 950 
			 
			 South West and West Midlands
			 June 2000 to September 2001 720 290 220 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 700 290 220 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 730 320 100 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 830 400 100 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 740 320 100 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 620 290 100 
			 
			 North West and North East
			 June 2000 to September 2001 620 280 280 
			 October 2000 to December 2000 620 280 280 
			 January 2001 to March 2001 710 320 2,000 
			 April 2001 to June 2001 700 340 100 
			 June 2001 to September 2001 550 280 100 
			 October 2001 to November 2001 380 250 110

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many households have benefited from better heating systems through the home energy efficiency scheme.

Michael Meacher: The home energy efficiency scheme was launched on 1 June 2000 and is administered by two scheme managers in England, Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd.
	For the period June 2000 to November 2001, 62,000 householders have benefited from better heating systems through the scheme. This figure includes replacements, new heating systems and repairs.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what percentage of those households which have had work done under the home energy efficiency scheme did so after the properties' landlords entered into a no rent rise agreement with the scheme manager in the area concerned,
	(2)  how many tenants who are eligible for improved heating systems under the home energy efficiency scheme have been unable to have work implemented free of cost because the landlords have refused to enter into a no rent rise agreement with the scheme manager in the area; and what representations she has received on their behalf;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of the position of a tenant who is eligible for an improved heating system under the home energy efficiency scheme but is unable to have work implemented free of cost because the landlords have refused to enter into a no rent rise agreement with the scheme manager in the area.

Michael Meacher: The home energy efficiency scheme is administered in England by Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd.
	Work in private sector landlords' properties is undertaken only once a no rent rise agreement is in place. This requirement was introduced following consultation on the proposed scheme in 1999. Many groups representing tenants and older people expressed concern that some private sector landlords would use the grant- funded improvements to justify an increase in rent. Agreements are time-limited to either one year for insulation measures only or two years where heating measures are installed.
	In the period June 2000 to November 2001 some 27,000 private sector landlords agreed to the no rent rise agreement. This represents about 5 per cent. of all applications accepted under the scheme.
	In the same period, 8,300 tenants had their applications turned down by the landlord. The precise reasons in each case are not known, but we are now investigating these.
	While there has been very little concern expressed on this issue, we do continue to keep it under review.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Dave Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average time is (a) for processing Eaga Partnership home efficiency contracts and (b) between the initial application and the completion of a contract in the (i) north-west and (ii) UK.

Michael Meacher: The home energy efficiency scheme for England was launched on 1 June 2000 and is administered by Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd. TXU is responsible for administering the scheme in the eastern, east midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber regions while Eaga is responsible for the remainder of England.
	The scheme managers appoint contractors to work on the scheme. Contractually they are required to make appointments following the UK's Public Procurement Rules and Regulations. Part of the process involves placing the invitation to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union.
	The table identifies the average time taken from the time of application to completion of contract for both scheme managers.
	
		Days 
		
			  North-west Rest of England 
		
		
			 Eaga Partnership 74 72 
			 TXU Warm Front — 79 
		
	
	As fuel poverty is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of the respective Parliament and Assemblies to comment on the situation in Scotland and Wales.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's target is for the number of households with energy efficiency measures in place.

Michael Meacher: The Government's target for improving energy efficiency in households is set out in the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, published on 21 November 2001. The goal of the Government and the devolved Administrations is to seek an end to the problem of fuel poverty. In particular we will seek an end to the blight of fuel poverty for vulnerable households—older people, families with children, the disabled or those with long-term illness—by 2010. This involves improving the energy efficiency of 2 million private sector homes between 2000–10, and also bringing all social housing properties up to the decent standard.
	Fuel poverty is a devolved matter and it is the responsibility of the devolved Administrations to comment on the respective targets in their countries.

Incineration

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions she has had with local authorities on the exclusion of incineration from local waste plans; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  if she will change her policy to allow county councils to specifically exclude incineration in their waste plans.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 20 July 2001
	The Government have had no such discussions with local authorities. Although Government policy seeks to encourage waste minimisation and to maximise the scope for recycling wherever possible, in those cases where options further up the waste hierarchy do not provide the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO), some incineration capacity may be needed in order to achieve the landfill diversion targets under the Landfill Directive.

Waste Management Strategy

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the progress of the waste management strategy.

Michael Meacher: Since launching the national waste strategy in May last year the Government have set demanding statutory targets for the recycling and composting of household waste for each local authority, increased the landfill tax and consulted on a system of tradeable landfill permits in order to achieve the diversion from landfill required. It has also set up the Waste and Resources Action Programme to help create stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products, with funding from the Government and the devolved Administrations of around £40 million over three years.
	Extra funding has been made available to enable waste authorities to meet the Statutory Performance Standards for recycling and composting that are now in place. Spending Review 2000 included an increase of £1.1 billion by 2003–04 over 2000–01 provision as well as the provision of other sources of funding including the ring-fenced fund of £140 million specifically for recycling and £220 million of PFI funding for waste projects.
	The Government are currently in consultation with local authorities on the best way to distribute the £140 million fund. copies of the consultation paper are available on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/ environment/consult/wastefund/index.htm.

Annual Ewe Premium

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on recent changes to the level of the annual ewe premium.

Elliot Morley: The European Commission made estimates of the likely amount of the ewe premium during the course of 2001 to enable advances of the premium to be paid. However, as the premium for 2001 is calculated as a deficiency payment, the final rate of the premium cannot be set until after the end of the year when the average community market price for sheepmeat will be known. The Commission is expected to determine the final rate for 2001 at a meeting of the Sheepmeat Management Committee on 18 January.
	From 2002 the ewe premium will be paid on a flat rate basis, set at 21 euros.

Refrigerator Recycling

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate her Department has made of the full-year cost to local authorities of the new regulations on the recycling of fridges.

Michael Meacher: The costs to local authorities will vary depending on the length of time fridges and freezers must be stored. The Department has recently announced a payment of £6 million to local authorities to cover their costs until March 2002. We are also urgently considering what action needs to be taken to encourage the reinstatement of take-back schemes previously operating, which would reduce the burden on local authorities.

Green Ministers

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish a table showing (a) the attendance by Ministers at Green Ministers' meetings held since December 2000 and (b) the percentage energy savings achieved by each Department across its respective estate over the same period.

Michael Meacher: Between December 2000 and June 2001, Green Ministers met once and details of ministerial attendance are set out in Table 1. Following the general election in June 2001, the previously informal Committee was upgraded to a Cabinet Sub-Committee of ENV and it is established practice under exemption two of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees.
	Percentage energy savings achieved by Departments from December 2000 to date are not yet available. The latest figures we have available are for the period April 1999 to March 2000 and these are given in Tables 2 and 3.
	
		Table 1: Ministerial attendance at Green Ministers meeting on 19 March 2001
		
			 Minister Department 
		
		
			 Michael Meacher (Chair) DETR 
			 Patricia Hewitt DTI 
			 Jacqui Smith DfEE 
			 Beverley Hughes DETR 
			 Chris Mullin DFID 
			 Hugh Bayley DSS 
			 Elliott Morley MAFF 
			 Yvette Cooper DH 
			 George Howarth NIO 
			 Ross Cranston LOD 
			 The Lord Bach LCD 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Percentage energy efficiency improvement April 1999 to March 2000 for Civil Departments (recent performance measured by a range of efficiency indicators (ie per m(37)); also by total CO2(36))
		
			 Civil Departments, including Performance against energy and cost indicators relevant to 1990–91(37) 
			 agencies Total cost 1999–2000 (%) 
		
		
			 MAFF-Main Estate 24 
			 MAFF-Laboratories 21 
			 Cabinet Office 15 
			 Culture, Media and Sport 28 
			 Customs and Excise -8 
			 Education and Employment -11 
			 Employment Service -10 
			 Environment, Transport and Regions 11 
			 DETR-HSE(38) 22 
			 DETR-QEII CC(38) -10 
			 FCO -26 
			 Health(39) -77 
			 Home Office 0 
			 Home Office-Prisons 2 
			 Inland Revenue 17 
			 International Development 38 
			 Lord Chancellor's Department 15 
			 Northern Ireland 4 
			 Scottish Court Service 30 
			 Scottish Prison Service 2 
			 Social Security 10 
			 Trade and Industry 47 
			 Treasury -23 
			 Welsh Office(40) -24 
			  
			 Total 8.3 
		
	
	(36) Progress is expressed as a percentage relative to the 1990–91 base year value of the performance indicator in question. Positive figures represent improvement. The standard indicator, against which the target to improve energy efficiency by 20 per cent. by 31 March 2000 is measured, is obtained by weather-correcting energy consumption and converting to costs using 'standard prices' for fuel (6p/kWh for electricity and 1.25p/kWh for all fossil fuels) then dividing by floor area. Conversion to money both reflects the relative costs of electricity and fossil fuel and their environmental impact, and the use of fixed prices eliminates the effects of tariff changes which distort the comparison of fuel bills.
	(37) Adjusted for estate and weather changes, positive figures represent percentage progress.
	(38) HSE was removed from the DfEE estate on the formation of that Department. QEII Conference Centre is reported separately because of its business led demands. The initial sharp rise in consumption following the 1990–91 base year was directly attributable to increased revenue earning activity, which has continued throughout the reporting period.
	(39) Rationalisation of the estate since the base year has led to staff moving from several naturally ventilated buildings to more densely occupied air-conditioned buildings, all equipped extensively with information technology equipment. Staff numbers have increased by over 25 per cent. since 1997–98 which has led to a commensurate increase in energy consumption.
	(40) The transition from the former Welsh Office to the National Assembly for Wales resulted in staff numbers increasing by some 24 per cent. between 1998–99 and 1999–2000. This has significantly added to substantial increasing energy demands through the use of information technology. The transition to devolution also involved the acquisition of a large air-conditioned headquarters-type building and assimilation into the Assembly of various other building stock.
	
		Table 3: Percentage energy efficiency improvement April 1999 to March 2000 for MOD and total Government Estate(41),(42) (recent performance measured by a range of efficiency indicators (ie per m(42)); also by total CO2(43))
		
			  Percentage reduction relative to 1990–91(44) 
			 Ministry of Defence Total cost 1999–2000 
		
		
			 Navy 33 
			 Army 20 
			 RAF 22 
			 Procurement Executive(45) -7 
			 DERA -4 
			 MOD total 21.1 
			 Civil Departments total 8.3 
			  
			 Grant total 17.1 
		
	
	(41) The Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate is different from the rest of the Government estate, and has been undergoing more radical changes. It is therefore treated in a slightly different way. In common with the civil estate, it has greatly increased its use of information technology.
	(42) In civil Departments, the effect of estate changes is allowed for by dividing consumption by floor area. In MOD, floor area is sometimes not meaningful (eg in relation to security or runway lighting) and also not often available. Estate changes are allowed for by being explicitly excluded from the calculations, ie the energy consumption of new facilities is removed, and for facilities no longer part of the estate, the consumption for the last full year of operation is added back. In most cases, such changes are small compared to the total and can often approximately cancel each other out.
	(43) Progress is expressed as a percentage relative to the 1990–91 base year value of the performance indicator in question. Positive figures represent improvement. The standard indicator, against which the target to improve energy efficiency by 20 per cent. by 31 March 2000 is measured, is obtained by weather-correcting energy consumption and converting to costs using 'standard prices' for fuel (6p/kWh for electricity and 1.25p/kWh for all fossil fuels) then dividing by floor area. Conversion to money both reflects the relative costs of electricity and fossil fuel and their environmental impact, and the use of fixed prices eliminates the effects of tariff changes which distort the comparison of fuel bills.
	(44) Adjusted for estate changes and weather correction positive figures represent percentage improvement.
	(45) It is almost impossible to produce any meaningful results to date for MOD's Procurement Executive (PE) since it has suffered major estate gains and losses over the past 10 years and now consists largely of one recently built large office. The standard MOD methodology produces a meaningless 'no change' result (since the present estate is almost entirely different from the original). Consequently, we have taken 1997–98 as the base year and applied the civil Departments' methodology to this office.

Edmonton Incinerator

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of (a) the Environment Agency figures released by her Department on the levels of dioxins in ash from the Edmonton incinerator and (b) the levels as measured by an independent body.

Michael Meacher: Mixed processed ash from the Edmonton incinerator was stockpiled at a site in Dagenham.
	The sampling and analysis commissioned by the Environment Agency were done by non-agency staff. The results accord with those of the tests commissioned by Collease Ltd. (the trailer hire company operating near the site).
	The analyses show considerable variation of dioxin levels in the ash. Collease sampled the stockpile from an unknown place and in an unknown manner using their own containers; analysis of these samples showed a range of around 70 to 1,170 ng/Kg I-TEQ. Sampling and testing commissioned by the agency showed a range of 17 to 1,100 ng/Kg I-TEQ.

Pollution (South Ockendon)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment has been made of the contamination caused to allotments and home garden food produce in the vicinity of the Cleanaway site at South Ockendon from the fly ash deposited there over the past 20 years, and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment the Environment Agency has made in respect of the fly ash tipped at the Cleanaway site in South Ockendon during the past 20 years of the options of (a) continued burial in its existing deposit and (b) relocation and disposal and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what information the (a) Environment Agency and (b) Health and Safety Executive have collated on the impact and likelihood of fly ash dumped at the Cleanaway South Ockendon site over the past 20 years escaping air borne, from this vicinity to nearby residential areas; and if she will make a statement

Michael Meacher: holding answer 18 July 2001
	Waste disposal sites operate under the terms of waste management licences and are subject to the controls set out in Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. The purpose of licences is to ensure that waste is disposed of in ways which protect the environment and human health. Failure to comply with a licence condition, or the disposal of waste in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution or harm to human health is a criminal offence.
	I understand that the original licence for the South Ockendon landfill site, issued by Essex county council in 1984 allowed consignments of mixed fly ash and bottom ash from the Edmonton municipal waste incinerator to be consigned to the South Ockendon site. The county council deemed the ash to be suitable for such disposal. These licences were completed in 1997.
	The Environment Agency, which assumed responsibility for waste management licensing in 1996, advises that the deposit of this mixed ash at the site, in compliance with the licence at that time, ceased in December 1997 as a result of the new licence. The area of the site where ash was deposited takes no further waste and is now capped, and the agency considers that the mixed ash does not represent a significant risk to the environment.
	The Environment Agency has a legal duty to inspect all licensed sites and section 42 of the 1990 Act requires the agency to take the steps needed to ensure that (a) the activities authorised by a licence do not cause environmental pollution, harm to human health or serious detriment to local amenities; and (b) the conditions of a licence are complied with. With these requirements in mind, I have now asked the Environment Agency to apply these requirements to deposits of mixed ash deposited at Ockendon prior to 1996.
	The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has examined its records relating to the South Ockendon site for the last 20 years. These do not show any relevant information relating to the impact and likelihood of ash deposited at the site escaping airborne.

Water Tables

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence the Government have (a) commissioned and (b) assessed regarding reduced water tables in (i) Britain and (ii) internationally.

Michael Meacher: The Natural Environment Research Council's Centre for Ecology and Hydrology produces monthly summaries of hydrological conditions across the UK, which include groundwater levels. The latest summary indicates that UK groundwater resources are generally very healthy. Internationally, an increasing demand for water is causing a serious decline in water tables in a number of developing countries. The UK Government, through DFID, supports a number of initiatives to encourage the sustainable use, and equitable allocation, of surface and groundwater resources and programmes for enhancing groundwater recharge.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures exist to inform land managers that their property may be affected by new access arrangements under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Access to the Countryside (Maps in Draft Form) (England) Regulations 2001 require the Countryside Agency to send reduced scale maps (derived from the draft map) to prescribed consultees (including land manager and user representative organisations, as well as local and National Park authorities and parish councils), and to deposit maps with local authorities and certain libraries for public inspection. Maps must also be displayed on the internet.
	The regulations do not require notification of individual land managers: much land in rural areas remains unregistered, and there is no complete list of people with an interest in the land. In particular, while the owners of most farm holdings are known to DEFRA, the ownership of—let alone other interests in—uncultivated open country and common land is often doubtful or unknown. However, the agency has written to those on the agricultural holdings database in the affected areas with information about the consultation.
	The agency's extensive programme of publicity for draft maps, underwritten by the requirements in the regulations for public notices, internet mapping, and consultation with representative organisations, will ensure that the overwhelming majority of land managers will be made aware of their opportunity to comment on the maps, while addressing all those interested in the maps impartially.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what is the expected cost of the mapping exercise being carried out under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Countryside Agency expects to spend £2,670,000 and £2,800,000 on mapping open country and registered common land in the financial years 2001–02 and 2002–03 respectively. Estimates of the costs for the years 2003–04 to 2005–06 will be made in the light of experience of the first stages of the mapping exercise.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which agencies and subcontractors are employed to carry out mapping exercises under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Countryside Agency's lead contractor for the mapping exercise is Binnie Black and Veatch Ltd. which has subcontracted work to: GeoData Institute (University of Southampton—providing habitat expertise and data collection, and mapping registered common land), Quentin Bell Organisation Ltd. (advising on media, publicity and other issues), and City and West End Solutions Ltd. (printing of maps).

Countryside and Rights of Way Act

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the arrangements are for providing copies of maps drawn up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to (a) land managers whose property may be affected and (b) the public.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 9 January 2002
	Regulation 7 of the Access to the Countryside (Maps in Draft Form) (England) Regulations 2001 requires the Countryside Agency to supply a reduced scale map (derived from the draft map) to any person (including land managers) who requests such a map and pays a reasonable fee. The agency is charging a fee of £15 per map sheet plus a postage and packing charge of £4.99 per order.

Hatfield Moors

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  which rules prevent sites being nominated individually for candidate special area of conservation status; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what advice she has received from English Nature in respect of whether the information they have received from the Peat Producers Association concerning Hatfield Moors can be regarded as new scientific information;
	(3)  what the timetable is for the consultation relating to Hatfield Moors; what the original closing date for submissions was; on what dates supplementary evidence or scientific information was submitted by (a) the Peat Producers Association and (b) Scotts (UK) Ltd.; and on what dates meetings have been held between English Nature and the Peat Producers Association in relation to this consultation;
	(4)  what steps she will take to bring the consultation over Hatfield Moors proposed candidate special area conservation status to a conclusion.

Michael Meacher: Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are selected using the criteria set out in the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). There are no rules to prevent sites being nominated individually for candidate SAC status. The selection principles are set out in JNCC report 270, a copy of which is in the House Library. Site selection principles are set out at section 1.10 of that report, with clarification of the justification principles for individual or cluster sites at section 1.11.
	English Nature, on behalf of the Department, are undertaking consultation on the proposed SAC for Hatfield Moors. Consultation began on 18 August with a request for comments by 11 October 2000. In the light of request for further information, and subsequent objections received on 5 April 2001, English Nature have continued discussions with the intention of resolving areas of disagreement. Two meetings have been held between English Nature and the Peat Producers Association, on 6 October 2000 and on 12 November 2001. Subsequent to the scientific views submitted on 5 April no supplementary scientific information specifically relating to Hatfield Moors has been provided to English Nature in the course of these discussions. However, various issues concerning the interpretation of the habitat type and the process of selecting sites including the application of the criteria in the directive have been raised during the discussion.
	It is anticipated that English Nature's report on the consultation concerning Hatfield Moors together with any further scientific advice will be submitted in the near future.

Agenda 21

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what collation of Local Agenda 21 plans is undertaken by her Department; and what monitoring of their progress is made.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 9 January 2002
	The Prime Minister set a target for all local authorities to have a Local Agenda 21 strategy in place by end 2000. A Government office survey showed that 93 per cent. of local authorities met this target. Local authorities now have a statutory duty, under the Local Government Act 2000, to prepare community strategies for promoting the social, environmental and economic well-being of their area. Guidance makes clear that these should continue the work done on LA21 strategies. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has responsibility for community strategies. Progress is reported through a best value performance indicator.

River Tees

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps have been taken to improve the cleanliness of the Tees in the last five years; and what improvements there have been in the life of the river resulting from such action.

Michael Meacher: The Tees Barrage, which became operational in 1996, protects the river Tees from pollution discharged to the estuary and the river upstream of the barrage is now generally of good or very good quality. In 2001, 1,260 salmon and sea trout were counted in the fish trap at the Tees Barrage compared with 241 sea trout and salmon five years earlier. However, numbers of fish trapped in the barrage fish trap represent only a fraction of those running through the estuary and it is estimated that up to 20,000 salmon and sea trout migrated through the Tees during 2001. There is now also a healthy colony of breeding seals at Teesmouth.
	The Environment Agency, working with industry, Northumbrian Water, local authorities and English Nature has also overseen dramatic improvements in water quality in the Tees estuary. In 2000, Northumbrian Water completed and commissioned the Bran Sands Treatment Complex at a cost of £270 million. Domestic sewage and industrial effluents are now biologically treated to a very high standard before being discharged to the estuary.
	Whereas 10 years ago there was no oxygen present in the estuary during the warm summer months, the main estuary is now classed as good or fair quality.
	Biological oxygen demand (BOD) which measures the amount of oxygen consumed in water, usually by organic pollution, has been reduced from a daily load of 150 tonnes in 1990 to 35 tonnes in 2000. The daily load of ammonia, which is toxic to fish, has been reduced from 59 tonnes in 1990 to 14 tonnes in 2000. Inputs of other toxins such as organic chemicals and metals have also been reduced as a result of improved processes and treatment systems, better environmental management, recycling and reuse. Two major ammonia reduction investments in 2001 should bring environmental benefits in 2002. Programmes to further reduce ammonia and biological oxygen demand are programmed for 2002.

Sustainable Development Commission Review

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of (a) printing, (b) publishing and (c) distributing the Sustainable Development Commission Review.

Michael Meacher: I understand from the Sustainable Development Commission that the approximate printing, publishing and distribution costs of their review were as follows:
	(a) £8,500 for printing;
	(b) £10,200 for publishing (including editing, design and production); and
	(c) 2,000 for postage (this figure does not include copies distributed using the Inter-Departmental Despatch Service).
	All of these figures exclude VAT.

Fly-tipping

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she is taking to reduce fly-tipping.

Michael Meacher: The unlawful deposit of waste without a waste management licence or registered exemption (commonly known as fly-tipping) is a criminal offence. In the event of a conviction, severe penalties are available to the courts, including an unlimited fine or imprisonment of up to five years.
	Section 59 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, provides a local authority or the Environment Agency with the power to effect the removal of fly-tipped waste and to recover costs from those responsible.
	The Environment Agency continues to give the need to combat fly-tipping a high priority. The agency is currently working to establish a central unit to co-ordinate its approach to environmental crime. This unit will work with other key enforcement bodies, such as local authorities, the police and HM Customs and Excise, and will target particular environmental and economic threats such as fly-tipping.
	In addition the Fly-Tipping Stakeholder's Forum, which comprises local authorities, business and landowners representatives and is chaired by the Environment Agency, meets regularly to develop practical solutions and to develop co-ordinated action to combat the problem of fly-tipping.

Dairy Farming

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of the EU's policy of cutting export refunds for whole milk and skimmed milk production on (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the Northern Ireland dairy sector.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Export refunds for dairy products may be set to compensate for the difference between world and EU prices. When this gap narrows, as was the case earlier last year, the refunds are reduced. When it widens, as is the case at present, the refunds may be increased. But in setting export refunds for dairy products the Commission and the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products are required to consider a number of factors. These include the objectives of the Common Organisation of the Market, the supply of dairy products on EU markets (required, for example, for food manufacture), as well as the difference between world and EU prices. In the last quarter of 2001 weak world markets made it difficult for EU traders to export, including the Northern Irish dairy sector which relies particularly heavily on exports of milk powders. The UK therefore supported proposals for higher export refunds for these products which were agreed in November and December 2001. The market situation is being kept under review.

Dairy Farming

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to assist the dairy farming industry in the United Kingdom.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The report of the Milk Task Force has now been received and passed on to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food for it to take account of the recommendations in forming its own views. In advance of receiving the report of the policy commission, it would be premature to speculate on any future actions.

IACS Payments

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government received their payment from the European Commission for IACS payments.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 January 2002
	Reimbursement from the Commission is sought after expenditure to which it relates has been incurred and is received approximately two months after payments are made.

IACS Payments

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will pay interest to farmers who do not receive IACS payments by 31 January.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The EC regulations do not provide for the payment of interest. The extent to which any claimants might be entitled to compensation for delays in their payments will be considered in the light of the circumstances at the time.

Foot and Mouth

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many samples tested for foot and mouth disease of (a) cattle, (b) sheep, (c) pigs and (d) other species proved (i) positive and (ii) negative.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 19 December 2001
	Details of individual samples taken are not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, 2,359 premises which were affected by foot and mouth disease had samples taken for laboratory testing, of which 1,328 returned positive results and 1,026 returned negative results. I should point out in this context that a negative result does not necessarily mean that there is no virus present. Five results are currently unknown.
	Source:
	DEFRA Disease Control System database as at 17:00 18 December 2001.

Foot and Mouth

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farm animals were slaughtered (a) on non-contiguous premises, (b) on infected premises and (c) as dangerous contacts on contiguous premises in (i) November and (ii) December 2001.

Elliot Morley: In November and December 2001, there were no cases of foot and mouth disease and therefore no animals were slaughtered on infected premises and no animals were slaughtered as dangerous contacts on contiguous premises.
	However, during November 2001, 71 farm animals were slaughtered on non-contiguous premises. 70 of these animals were slaughtered as dangerous contacts, one was slaughtered on suspicion. In December 2001, one farm animal was slaughtered as a dangerous contact on a non-contiguous premises.
	Source:
	DEFRA Disease Control System database as at 7 January 2002.

Flood Prevention

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the model on flooding on the River Severn being prepared by the Environment Agency.

Elliot Morley: Operational responsibility for flood management measures rests with the local operating authorities, normally the Environment Agency (EA) and local councils, who decide which projects to promote and their timing.
	I understand that the EA's model for the Tidal River Severn downstream of Gloucester has been completed recently. It will be used to develop the Tidal Severn Strategy which the EA plan to publish in summer 2003. The Fluvial River Severn model is being used to develop the Fluvial Severn Strategy which the EA plan to publish in spring 2003.

Biosecurity

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what biosecurity recommendations apply to the whole of the United Kingdom.

Elliot Morley: In respect of biosecurity precautions necessary to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease, factsheets have been sent to all livestock farmers and advice was also placed on the DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk/. The importance of good biosecurity was emphasised by the production of a video on biosecurity in July. This was also sent to all livestock farmers and could also be seen on the DEFRA website.
	Similar guidance was issued to livestock farmers in Scotland by the Scottish Executive. Parallel arrangements consistent with the epidemiology were also made in Northern Ireland by the local executive.
	More general advice on animal health is contained in the DEFRA publications "Golden Rules for a healthy flock" and "Golden Rules for a healthy herd".